Merle Dayne France

Merle Dayne France, age 97, of McCordsville, Indiana, formally of Tennessee, Illinois, passed away Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at Traditions at Brookside in McCordsville, Indiana. He was born January 3, 1929, in Astoria, Illinois, to Ernest and Cloe Stone France. Merle was united in marriage to Helen Knoedler of Tennessee, Illinois, on April 1, 1950. She preceded him in death on November 2, 2018.

Surviving to mourn Merle’s passing is his son: Randy (Jane) France, McCordsville, Indiana, 2 grandchildren: Matthew (Taylar) France, Crestview, Florida, Mitchell France, Indianapolis, Indiana, and 3 great grandchildren: Finley, Maverick, and Aloura France.

Merle was preceded in death by his parents, his wife: Helen France, 2 brothers: Virgil France and Charles France, 6 sisters: Dorothy Knight, Phillis Martin, Vera Markley, Wilma Bassett, Ilene Rogers, and Jean Heavenridge.

Merle served in the United States Navy, at the Naval Air Station Miamar Base in San Diego. He was a lifelong farmer as well. He enjoyed playing the organ, and listening to big band music whenever he could.

A Graveside service will be held at Hillsgrove Cemetery in Tennessee, Illinois with Rev. Jim Clayton, at 11:00 A.M, on Friday, July 17, 2026. Friends may sign the register book, Thursday, July 16, 2026, from 8:30 A.M, to 6:00 P.M, at Jones Mortuary in Colchester.  Condolences and memories can be expressed to the family at jonesmortuaryfh.com

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