Columbus
Merrill Kivett Johnson, 104, of Columbus, died at 12:10 p.m. Wednesday, July 13, 2016, at Four Seasons Retirement Center. He was born May 24, 1912, in Hendricks County, near Hazelwood, Indiana.
He graduated from Clayton High School in 1930, going on to complete two years of business education. He lived and worked in Indianapolis from 1935 to 1947 when he and his family moved to Columbus. In 1947, Merrill began work at Arvin Industries as Director of Labor Relations, retiring in 1977.
From 1947 until his death he was a member of First Christian Church of Columbus. Merrill was also a member of Columbus Exchange Club for many years. He was a co-founder of the Southeast Indiana Chapter of Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) in 1978 and remained a member until his death. He was a charter member of the Columbus Camera Club.
Merrill married Irene Harris in Nashville, Ohio, June 21, 1938, and she survives. To them were born three children: Edward (Amy) Johnson of Indianapolis and Merrillyn Reynolds and Douglas (Casey) Johnson, both of Columbus, all of whom survive. He is also survived by two granddaughters, Nicole (Hector) Acevedo and Kimberly Johnson, and four great-grandchildren.
Merrill was preceded in death by his parents, Oba H. and Ora Ann (Richardson) Johnson, and by his four brothers, Morris, Chester, Kenneth and Roy Johnson.
The funeral will be conducted at 11 a.m. Monday, July 18, 2016, in the chapel at First Christian Church with Steve Wiggins officiating. Calling will be from 10 a.m. until time of service Monday at the church. Burial will follow at Clayton Cemetery in Hendricks County at 3 p.m.
Services were entrusted to Jewell-Rittman Family Funeral Home.
Memorial contributions may be made to First Christian Church of Columbus, Taking Christ to Millions (TCM) International and Senior Center Services through the funeral home.
You are invited to view his video tribute after 10 a.m. Monday, light a virtual candle and send a message to the family via the Internet.
