Merritt Bye Portland, Indiana Obituary

Merritt Bye

<p>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Merritt O. Bye, age 89, a resident of Portland, passed away on Thursday, October 7, 2021 at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Merritt was born on April 19, 1932, in Portland, the son of Cecil and Iris E (Labig) Bye.&nbsp; He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy serving during the Korean Conflict.&nbsp; He retired from Teledyne Portland Forge in 1995 after 30 years of service. &nbsp;Merritt was a member of New Covenant Fellowship Church.&nbsp; &nbsp;Merritt married Mary Lu Bailey on October 18, 1953 and she passed away on May 19, 2016.&nbsp; He later married Dorothy (Reynolds) Watkins on June 9, 2019.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Survivors include:</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; His wife and sweetheart:&nbsp; Dorothy Bye &ndash; Portland</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 1 son:&nbsp; Rodney Bye (wife Kim) &ndash; Portland</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 2 daughters:&nbsp; Kim Williams (husband Dan) &ndash; Celina, Ohio</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Stacy Newton &ndash; Portland</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 2 step-daughters:&nbsp; Barbara Nichols (husband Chris) &ndash; Coushatta, Louisiana</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Sharon Watkins Crockett (husband Kraig) &ndash; Celina, Ohio</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 2 sisters:&nbsp; Lois June Woodard &ndash; Albany</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Marilyn Sue Cummings &ndash; Portland</p> <p>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Daughter-in-law:&nbsp; Patty Bye - Portland, Indiana&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 13 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren, 3 great-great grandchildren, 2 step-grandchildren and 4 step-great grandchildren.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Lu Bye, a son; Terry Bye, his sisters; Judy Smitley, Sharon Brimhall, Patricia Peacock, 2 brothers; Wendel and Sheldon Bye.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 12, 2021 from 5-8 p.m. at New Covenant Fellowship Church, 1238 W. 450 S., Portland, IN 47371.&nbsp; Services to celebrate Merritt&rsquo;s life will be held at 11 a.m. &nbsp;Wednesday, October 13, 2021 at New Covenant Fellowship Church.&nbsp; Pastor Chuck Myers and Chad Young will officiate the service.&nbsp; Burial will follow at Gravel Hill Cemetery, west of Bryant. &nbsp;American Legion Post #211 of Portland will conduct military graveside rites.&nbsp; &nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Memorials may be directed towards New Covenant Fellowship Church.&nbsp;</p>
April 19, 1932 - October 7, 202104/19/193210/07/2021
Share Obituary:
Share a Memory
Merritt Bye
Merritt Bye
Tribute WallObituary & Events
Send FlowersPlant a tree

Share a memory

Add to your memory
Photos/Video
Candle
Mementos

Tribute wall

Plant a tree in memory of Merritt

An environmentally friendly option
Plant a tree
D
David & Gretchen Shivers
October 13, 2021
Dearest Merritt "Grandpa" Bye, Your wonderful smile, gentleman qualities and your heart of gold will truly be missed among friends and family. Although a short time in knowing you, we are so blessed to have known you. May you rest now in the loving arms of our Lord and S... Continue Reading
Comment
P
Patricia Ganshorn
October 13, 2021
Dear Sweet Uncle Merritt!
Seems appropriate to put an exclamation mark after his name. What an extraordinary gentleman & fun loving Uncle! I remember the times we shared with my momma and dad when either visiting him & aunt Marilou at their place or at my parents place ... Continue Reading
Comment
C
Christina Grayson
October 13, 2021
I was so lucky to have such a wonderful Uncle. Was blessed to have him in my life .You showed love and kindness to everyone you met.
A candle was posted for Merritt Bye.
A candle was posted for Merritt Bye.
Comment
T
Tricia Walter
October 12, 2021
Thoughts and Prayers as your family goes through this difficult loss.
Memorial Tree

Memorial Tree was purchased for the family of Merritt Bye. Send flowers

K
Kathy Gonzalez
October 12, 2021
I am so sorry for your loss, Barb! Prayers for your family and for Merritt, God rest his soul.
Comment
G
Guest
October 12, 2021
Comment
G
Guest
October 12, 2021
Comment
G
Guest
October 12, 2021
Comment
G
Guest
October 12, 2021
Comment
G
Guest
October 12, 2021
Comment