David Leroy Merida

David “Leroy” Merida 93, of Bloomington Indiana passed away from this life on Tuesday December 10th with his family by his side. He was the son of Aurand Benjamin and Ruth (Harris) Merida. On October 8th, 1951, Leroy married the love of his life, Barbara, and they were married for 73 years. Shortly after they were married, Leroy was shipped to Japan and then to Korea where he served with the 3rd Battalion, Love Company mortar squad as part of the 5th Regimental Combat Team on the front lines. After his discharge from the Army, Leroy worked for Westinghouse, Sears & Roebuck as a mechanic, and then went on to General Motors Allison division where he worked as a machine operator making tank and aircraft engine parts for 27 years. He enjoyed camping, fishing, repairing vehicles, the outdoors, gardening, flowers, and could take apart just about anything and put it back together. Leroy also served his Lord all his life at Grace Baptist Temple in Bloomington where he worked hundreds of hours keeping the church buses going. He also served as a deacon and the church treasurer there. In his recent years, he was attending New Prospect Baptist Church and Stone Ridge Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his parents, and brothers Aurand “JR”, and Melville Merida. He leaves behind his wife Barbara, his daughter Denise (Steven) Holdman of New Mexico, and son David (Jeanetta) Merida of Solsberry. Four Grandchildren: Lisa (Donavan) Maria, Josh (Allison) Holdman, Stephanie (Wes) Johnson, Jenifer (Justin) Smith. 13 Great Grandchildren. Brother Carl (Vickie) Merida of Greenwood. Sisters, Esther Fleener of Bloomington, and Verna (Phil) Brinson of Fishers. The family would like to thank Monique and the IU Health Bloomington Hospice staff for their help and special thanks to Herb and Angie for their personal care for Leroy the past few weeks. We would also like to thank Jon and the staff at Allen Funeral home for their care for him after his passing. Funeral Services will be held at 12:00pm on Monday December 16, 2024 at the Allen Funeral Home at 4155 S. Old State Rd 37, Bloomington IN 47401. Visitation will be held from 10:00am till time of service on Monday December 16, 2024 also at the funeral home. Pastor Andy Gaschke from the Stoneridge Baptist Church will be officiating. Burial will follow at the Valhalla Memory Gardens. Contributions can be made in Leroy’s memory to The Gideons International, PO Box 614, Bloomington IN 47402 or with an In Memory Card available at the service. Allen Funeral Home and Crematory have been entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences, photos and memories may be shared with family and friends at www.allencares.com

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David Leroy Merida

January 24, 1931 - December 10, 2024