Merl K. Robbins

Merl K. Robbins, 85, of New Castle, passed away Friday, April 18, 2025, at IU Health Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis. He was born August 9, 1939, in Randolph County, Indiana, a son of the late John S. and Sara Mildred (Clements) Robbins.

Merl graduated from Lynn High School in 1957. He attended Ball State Teachers College and Purdue University. He also served in the United States Army from 1963-65 while stationed in Germany. In 1966, he was elected as County Surveyor for Randolph County, the youngest elected county official in the State of Indiana. It was during this time he joined Rural Youth where he met and married his wife, Marge.

In 1992, Merl retired after 20 years of service with Allegheny Ludlum Steel Corporation in New Castle. He served on the PTA, as well as Cub Master, for both Greenstreet and Westwood Elementary Schools. He was a member of the Knights of Pythias, a 26-year member of the American Legion Honor Guard, and a 33-year member of the Eagles where he served as Chaplain.

He was a lifelong member of New Liberty Christian Church near Lynn, IN. In 2017, Merl flew on the Indy Honor Flight to Washington D.C. He enjoyed bowling, bingo and playing cards.

Merl is survived by one son, Keith, of New Castle; two sisters, Sarah Saxman of New Haven, IN and Anna Jean Fraze of Winchester, IN; brothers-in-law, Mel (Susan) Kendall of Anderson, IN, Gerald Kendall of New Castle, IN; sister-in-law, Retha (Mike) Shrout of Greenfield, IN; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Merl was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Marge, whom he married September 21, 1968; 10 brothers, Macy, William “Bill”, Ivan, Lewis, Paul, Kenneth, Kedrick, Eldon, Joe and Merrill; and a sister, Alice Schweitzer.

Services will be at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, April 24, 2025, at Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service in New Castle with Pastor Dale Bales officiating. Military Rites will be provided by the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars, with a contingent from the U.S. Army. Burial will follow in South Mound Cemetery, West Lawn Addition. Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m., Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at the funeral home. You may share condolences and memories of Merl at www.hinsey-brown.com.

NOTE: The main entrance of Hinsey-Brown on State Road 3 is OPEN DURING CONSTRUCTION. Please enter from the north side of construction.