Myrtus "Butch" Merritt Dierks

Myrtus Merritt “Butch” Dierks, 81, North Manchester, Indiana, passed away February 24, 2024, at Parkview Whitley Hospital in Columbia City. Born in Warsaw on May 1, 1942, Butch was the son of the late Arnold W. and Snowden Joan (Custer) Dierks.

Butch graduated from Sidney High School in 1960 and then served his country in the United State Army. He moved back to the Sidney area after being honorably discharged and married Marcia J. Lenwell on October 11, 1964. The two remained married for thirty years and shared two children, Julie and Eric. During that time Butch worked for RR Donnelley as a cylinder maker before retiring.

God, family, and country were always important to Butch. He was a member of Liberty Mills United Methodist Church, now known as, Liberty Mills Community Church, American Legion Post 258 in Pierceton, and American Legion Post 286 in North Manchester. Butch enjoyed hunting, fishing, and birdwatching, but he loved being with his family most of all. His quick-witted sense of humor will be missed by those who knew him best.

The loving memory of Myrtus “Butch” Dierks will be forever cherished by his children, Julie (Elmer “Mike”) Oaks, Sidney and Eric (Amy) Dierks, Zimmerman, Minnesota; brothers, Phil (Marcia) Dierks, South Whitley and Kris (Beverly) Dierks, Claypool; sisters, Joie (Jeff) Lotz, South Whitley and Debbie (Mark) Crapeau, Healdsburg, California; and four grandchildren, Kaitlyn Dierks, Brandon Oaks, Conner Dierks, and Hannah Oaks. Butch was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Steven J. Dierks.

Family and friends may call Friday, March 1, 2024, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at McKee Mortuary, 1401 State Road 114 West, North Manchester. Funeral services will begin at the conclusion of calling with Pastor Paul Rupert officiating. Burial will be at a later date at Milford Cemetery in Milford, Indiana.

For those who wish to honor the memory of Myrtus “Butch” Dierks, memorial contributions may be made to American Legion Post 286, 215 East Main Street, North Manchester, Indiana 46962 or American Legion Post 258, 104 North First Street, Pierceton, Indiana 46562.

The family of Butch Dierks has entrusted McKee Mortuary with care and final arrangements.