Kenneth Merrill Bolender (“Merrill”) passed away peacefully on January 10, 2025, in Indianapolis, IN, at the age of 88. Born in 1936 in Felicity, Ohio, to Herbert and Gertrude Bolender, he often joked that he was born right under the apple tree that grew over their farmhouse. After attending Olivet Nazarene College in Kankakee, IL, he met his beloved wife, Donna, in 1963 through their shared connection to the Nazarene Church. Merrill and Donna’s 60-year marriage was built on the principle, “Each for the other and both for the Lord!” Their shared passion for missionary work took them to 28 countries across four continents, including extended stays ministering to Jewish people in Israel and Ukraine.

A man of courage and conviction, Merrill’s life was truly a testament to his deep love for God and people. Merrill served God with what he described as “a type of faith that was as natural as breathing.” Through dreams and visions, the Holy Spirit led him to a diverse range of pursuits. His careers included ministry, elevator mechanic, authorship, cabinet-making, real estate, property management, teaching, counseling, and construction foreman. One of his favorite pastimes was going fishing with his son and grandson, where he would often say, “I feel like I’m in heaven.” He had a zest for life and was passionate about many things, including woodworking, gardening, writing, ancestry research, collecting native relics, and making people laugh, even trying his hand at stand-up comedy. Merrill was a devoted member of Corinth Church, Operation Exodus, Regional Brother’s Fellowship, and the writer’s group at Robin Run Retirement Village, where he spent his last decade with the love of his life. Merrill remained full of life, witty, and sociable until nearing his last breath, even mentioning with excitement how he managed to stay up past midnight this year on New Year’s Eve, celebrating with his wife and friends.

He was preceded in death by his brothers: Arnold J. and Ralph B. Bolender, and his sisters: Wanda L. Roe and Eleanor S. Dedek. He is survived by his brother, Leon Ronald Bolender; three sons: Mark Lee Bolender, Jeffrey Scott Bolender, and Roger Merrill Bolender; six grandchildren, two great-grandchildren (plus one on the way), and numerous other nieces, nephews, and friends. His legacy of “Living, Loving, Learning, and Laughing” is beautifully captured in his memoir, Leaving a Legacy. With faith, experience, knowledge, and a gift in storytelling, Merrill left behind a legacy that will inspire generations to come.

A memorial service celebrating Merrill’s life will be held at Corinth Church (6590 E County Rd 1000 N, Brownsburg, IN 46112) on February 1st, 2025 at 3:00 - 4:30 PM Indiana time [Livestream link will post 24 hours prior]. Visitation will be held prior to the service at 2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Operation Exodus: http://Operationexodususa.com. Memorial funds to directly support Donna can be made at https://everloved.com/life-of…