In Memory Of
Merlin Joseph Farish
1932
2022
Merlin Joseph Farish
August 15, 1932 — October 6, 2022
Merlin Joseph Farish, son of Emery and Laverne (Bartley) Farish, 90, died on Thursday, October 6, 2022.
He was employed at the Floyd County Jail for 23 years, in charge of food service until December 31, 2017. Merlin retired from the hotel industry and was a veteran of the Korean War, earning the rank of Sergeant in the United States Army. He was a member of the VFW, American Legion, Rotary Club, Kiwanis Club, Knights of Columbus, Southern Indiana Umpires Association, and Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church.
Merlin attended Spencerian Business College and officiated baseball, football, and basketball. He ran for mayor in New Albany and won a million dollars in Hawaii, appearing on the Hoosier Millionaire show in 1991. Merlin was heard many times saying how lucky he was to have a partner, the former Jane Ricke, for so long, winning the lottery, having the opportunity to be given tickets to Millionaires Row on Derby Day by a Churchill Downs executive, and for the years he had with his toy poodle, Cindy, who loved him unconditionally.
He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Jane; son, Rick Farish; daughter, Karen Goldman; four grandchildren, Alyssa Goldman and Bryan Farish being very special; two great-grandchildren; and his sister, Betty Hamilton. Merlin was preceded in death by his brothers, Donald and Larry Farish.
Merlin's wish was to be cremated, and Newcomer Cremations, Funerals & Receptions (3309 Ballard Lane, New Albany) was entrusted with his care.
Please consider sharing a memory of Merlin or leaving a special message for his family by completing the "Share Memories" section below.
He was employed at the Floyd County Jail for 23 years, in charge of food service until December 31, 2017. Merlin retired from the hotel industry and was a veteran of the Korean War, earning the rank of Sergeant in the United States Army. He was a member of the VFW, American Legion, Rotary Club, Kiwanis Club, Knights of Columbus, Southern Indiana Umpires Association, and Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church.
Merlin attended Spencerian Business College and officiated baseball, football, and basketball. He ran for mayor in New Albany and won a million dollars in Hawaii, appearing on the Hoosier Millionaire show in 1991. Merlin was heard many times saying how lucky he was to have a partner, the former Jane Ricke, for so long, winning the lottery, having the opportunity to be given tickets to Millionaires Row on Derby Day by a Churchill Downs executive, and for the years he had with his toy poodle, Cindy, who loved him unconditionally.
He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Jane; son, Rick Farish; daughter, Karen Goldman; four grandchildren, Alyssa Goldman and Bryan Farish being very special; two great-grandchildren; and his sister, Betty Hamilton. Merlin was preceded in death by his brothers, Donald and Larry Farish.
Merlin's wish was to be cremated, and Newcomer Cremations, Funerals & Receptions (3309 Ballard Lane, New Albany) was entrusted with his care.
Please consider sharing a memory of Merlin or leaving a special message for his family by completing the "Share Memories" section below.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Merlin Joseph Farish, please visit our flower store.
Guestbook
Visits: 5
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors