Attica - Philip Dean Merrill, 60, of Attica, passed away in the emergency room of the Terre Haute Regional Hospital, on Wednesday, October 21, 2020 at 3:11 p.m.
Dean, as he was known to family and friends, was born in Williamsport, Indiana on June 22, 1960. He was the son of the late William Francis and Mary Ellen (Clinton) Merrill. He was raised in Portland Arch and attended Attica High School. He later moved to Texas where he lived for 10 years before moving to Attica.
While living in Texas, Dean worked as a truck driver for Moore Trucking. In his early years he worked for the Fountain County Highway Department and also as a mechanic at Abe Bell's garage in Attica.
"Dean" or "Deano" as he was called by some, got his nickname by his family constantly saying "no Dean", "Dean no"!
Dean enjoyed shooting pool, dancing and riding motorcycles. He enjoyed mudding with his Toyota 4-wheeler. His favorite pastime was hanging out with family and friends around the fire pit; fishing and listening to classic rock and country music.
On May 4, 1985, Dean married Martha Jean Wright in Ft. Worth, TX. They have been together for 45 years and married for 35 years.
He also leaves behind a son, Philip Dean Summers, Kingman; three daughters, Melody Ann Rider, Rob Roy; Kisa Nicole Merrill and Kira Francis Rose Merrill, both of Attica; five grandchildren, Kasie Irene Calhoon, Kylie Marissa Calhoon, Franklin Rea Merrill, Mathias Dean Merrill and Lawerence Michael Merrill. He was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Symphony "Turtle" Dawn Summers.
A gathering will be held at the Farley's Corner Pub, 104 E. Main St., Attica, on Thursday, November 5th, from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. A memorial service will begin at 4:00 p.m. with Rick Deardorff speaking.  Remember to wear a mask during the gathering and service.  A memorial gravesite service will be held in the Riverside Cemetery, Attica on Saturday, August 28th, at 10:00 a.m.