Merrill Hobbs

 Merrill Guy Hobbs, 94, of Wabash, Indiana passed away at 3:59 p.m. on Saturday, October 5, 2024, at his home in Wabash, Indiana. He was born on October 17, 1929, to Oral and Cesta (Dailey) Hobbs in Madison County, Indiana.

Merrill was a 1947 graduate of Chester High School. He married his wife Joann Kroft on July 1, 1950. He worked as a plant manager at General Tire for 34 years before retiring in 1984. Merrill held memberships with Wabash Christian Church in Wabash, Indiana, the Elks Lodge in Wabash, Indiana, and the United States Trotting Association. Merrill had a passion for horses. He trained and raced horses in Chicago, Illinois, Louisville, Kentucky, and Ohio for over 40 years. Merrill and Joann owned and bred their racehorse, My Chief, who was also the 2004 Pacer of year.

Merrill is survived by his one son, Terry (Tammy) Hobbs of Wabash, Indiana; three grandchildren, Amy (Brian) Howenstine of Lagro, Indiana, Mark (Julie) Hobbs of Lagro, Indiana, Rachal (Marcus) Olson of Wabash, Indiana; seven great-grandchildren, Elizabeth Howenstine, Emily Howenstine, Reid (Lyndsie) Hobbs, Lilly Hobbs, Jaxson Olson, Charlee Olson, and Axle Olson. He is preceded in death by his parents, Oral and Cesta Hobbs; his wife, Joann Hobbs who passed away on August 29, 2024; two brothers, Dick and Rex Hobbs; and four sisters, Margaret Buroker, Mildred Welzien, Wilma Holmes, and Janice Spence.

Graveside Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 10, 2024, at Falls Cemetery in Wabash, Indiana.

Preferred memorials can be made to the Samaritan’s Purse in honor of the flood victims, PO Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607.

McDonald Funeral Homes, Wabash Chapel, 231 Falls Avenue, Wabash, Indiana 46992, have been trusted with Merrill Hobbs’ final arrangements.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.mcdonaldfunerals.com