Paul J. Merkley, 60, Celestine

Paul J. Merkley, 60, of Celestine, passed away surrounded by family at 1:00 p.m. CST on Thursday, March 19, 2026, at Deaconess Gateway Hospital in Newburgh, Indiana.

Paul was born in Jasper on June 21, 1965, to Herman and Elizabeth “Betty” (Sermersheim) Merkley. 

He was a 1983 graduate of Dubois High School.

He was a repair specialist at Kimball International for 30 years.

Paul was a member of St. Isidore Parish – St. Celestine Catholic Church in Celestine, Indiana.

He enjoyed participating in shooting matches, playing Poker, being outdoors, hunting, fishing, and spending time with family and friends.

He is survived by two children, Mitchel Merkley of Jasper and Stephanie (Shawn) Cantu of Jasper; five sisters, Jane (John) Burger of Celestine, Mary (Bill) Mattingly of Evansville, Becky (Randy) Ferguson of Huntingburg, Aggie (Charlie) Blessinger of Huntingburg, and Alice (Beau) Pund of Dale; two brothers, Ed (Mary) Merkley of Jasper and Tom (Sherry) Merkley of Velpen; several nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death are his parents.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Paul J. Merkley will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at St. Celestine Catholic Church in Celestine, Indiana, with burial to follow in the church cemetery.

A visitation will be held from 2:00-7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at the Becher-Kluesner Downtown Chapel in Jasper, Indiana, and one hour before services at the church on Thursday from 9:00-10:00 a.m.

Memorial contributions may be made in accordance with the wishes of the family.

Online condolences may be made at www.becherkluesner.com