Austin Edward Merrill

Austin Edward Merrill, 19, of South Bend, IN passed away Monday, March 20, 2017.  He was born on March 17, 1998 in South Bend, IN to Edward Merrill and Kimberle (Witucki) Izdepski.

Austin is survived by his fiancée, Megan Alice Ford; father, Edward (Lisa Hensley) Merrill; mother, Kimberle (Scott) Izdepski; sisters, Angela (Cody) Davis and Hannah (Leah) Hensley; brothers, Ross (Lauren) Eadie, Daniel (Michelle) Izdepski, Brennan Hensley, Adam Picking and Adam’s mother, Bonnie Picking; maternal grandparents, Jack (Jean) Witucki; paternal grandparents, Edward Merrill III and Rita (Nick Barcevic) Merrill; grandma, Mary Ann (Monty) Holston and his to-be in-laws, Bill (Cherie) Ford.  He was also survived by his aunts, Marla (Jeff) Erickson, Theresa (Dave) Wysong, Christine King; cousins, Gina Santuro, Kelsie King Wood, Mia Rose King Wood, Madilyn King and Cody DeLaruelle; and nephew, Carson Ross Eadie.

Our Gentle Giant, Awesome Austin, stood nearly seven feet tall and is incredibly loved, cherished and respected by all. With the kindness of his loving heart of gold, compassion & grace, dignity, loyalty & patience, he made us all better people for having known him. His passions in life were grandular and abundant. Gifted with tremendous supernatural musical talents, he taught himself how to play guitar by ear at the age of seven, listening to a song only one time, then playing it back to the T. He never read sheet music—said it cramped his style of freedom. To listen and observe Austin in action, mesmerized each and every one of us. Guitars, drums, organ/piano and trombone—he mastered them all. He loved his go-carts, mini-bikes, mopeds and motorcycles. Austin, along with the love of his life, Megan, thoroughly enjoyed motorcycle riding together, exploring their adventures and feeling free. How magnificently they complimented one another, naturally. This highly intellectual young man, thrived scholastically in every way since day one. He participated in jujitsu, skateboarding, swimming, wrestling, football and basketball. He was goal-oriented, self-motivated and disciplined, with perseverance and had a determined tenacity. He was an accomplished engineer/mold maker in tool & die, on his way to earning his Journeyman's Card through his Apprenticeship. Austin will continue to keep us smiling with the memories of his keen sense of humor, his quick wit, his authentically fine-tuned character, his healthy strong will, his honorable courage and his genuine vigilance. He had been an old soul from the time of his birth. Austin acquired more extended family members that cared for him, that will cherish his memory forever. He will always have an everlasting love for each and every single one of you. Essential that we all remember: Austin's true intentions were always good. Austin now lives in the Peace that surpasses all understanding. This Broken Family Chain Will One Day Link Again.

Private funeral services for Austin have been completed.  Palmer Funeral Home-Hickey Chapel and Southlawn Cremation Services are assisting the family with arrangements.

Contributions in memory of Austin can be made to the family c/o Palmer Funeral Home—Hickey Chapel, 17131 Cleveland Road, South Bend, IN 46635.

Online condolences may be sent to the family of Austin Merrill at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com

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