Paul J. Merkley, 60, of Celestine, passed away surrounded by family at 1 p.m. CDT on Thursday, March 19, 2026, at Deaconess Gateway Hospital in Newburgh.
Paul was born in Jasper on June 21, 1965, to Herman and Elizabeth “Betty” (Sermersheim) Merkley.
He was a 1983 graduate of Dubois High School.
He was a repair specialist at Kimball International for 30 years.
Paul was a member of St. Isidore Parish – St. Celestine Catholic Church in Celestine.
He enjoyed participating in shooting matches, playing Poker, being outdoors, hunting, fishing, and spending time with family and friends.
Surviving are two children, Mitchel Merkley, Jasper, and Stephanie (Shawn) Cantu, Jasper; five sisters, Jane (John) Burger, Celestine, Mary (Bill) Mattingly, Evansville, Becky (Randy) Ferguson, Huntingburg, Aggie (Charlie) Blessinger, Huntingburg, Alice (Beau) Pund, Dale; two brothers, Ed (Mary) Merkley, Jasper, and Tom (Sherry) Merkley, Velpen; several nieces and nephews.
Preceding him in death were his parents.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Paul J. Merkley will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, March 26 at St. Celestine Catholic Church in Celestine with burial to follow in the church cemetery.
A visitation will be held from 2 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 25 at Becher-Kluesner Downtown Chapel in Jasper and one hour before services at the church on Thursday from 9 to 10 a.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to the wishes of the family.
Condolences may be offered at www.becherkluesner.com.
