Merrit Dwayne Gangwer, 97, Ligonier, passed away Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2018, at his residence in Ligonier. He was born Jan. 16, 1921, in Ligonier, to John and Thella (Sparrow) Gangwer.

On Jan. 14, 1947, he married Nancy Lou Hawkins in Goshen; she survives.

Mr. Ganagwer served his country honorably in the United States Army from 1942 – 1945. He was honorably discharged and awarded a purple heart medal due to an ambush that took place after he landed on Utah Beach in the Invasion of Normandy. He operated many types of trucks throughout his career working for various R.V. Companies and after retirement he and Nancy purchased an R.V. and traveled West during the Winter months. Any other time was devoted to his family, spending time in Nature, and taking care of his dog, Nikko. So many memories fill their hearts and keep his family smiling. His kind nature and forgiving self will be missed by so many.

He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Nancy Lou Hawkins, Ligonier; daughter: Patsy Pippenger, Elkhart; six grandchildren: Dave Schmidt, Terrel, Troy and Tracy Pippenger, Spenser Strong and his significant other, Natasha Smith, Cromwell, Veronica Strong, Ligonier; four great grandchildren: Wesley Strong, Cromwell; Jaylyn Coy and Xavia Strong, Ligonier; Nova Strong, Cromwell; two brothers: Delvin Gangwer, Middlebury; and Delbert Gangwer, New Paris.

He is preceded in death by his parents, John and Thella Gangwer; six sisters: Laura Alfrey, Maxine Tedrick, Helen Stanger, Latice Smith, Geraldine Gangwer Tracy, Mary “Eileen” Mynhier; three brothers: Hershal, Delois, and Thurlow Gangwer; along with his loving dog, Nikko.

A funeral service in his honor will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 8, at Yeager Funeral Home. Burial will take place at a later date at Sparta Cemetery in Kimmell.

Visitation will be from 2-4 p.m. and 5-7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 7, at Yeager Funeral Home, 1589 Lincolnway South, Ligonier, IN 46767. Friends may also call one hour prior to the funeral service at the funeral home on Saturday.