News

Stories of Connection – Kelsay Family Fund in Memory of Merrill Kelsay

Published: April 11, 2017 by Johnson County Community Foundation

Merrill in his red truck
The family of Merrill Kelsay recently established a fund at JCCF to honor his memory. The fund will support local FFA chapters for various programs and projects that they provide to youth. 

“My dad was an avid FFA supporter, and this fund allows us to remember him, support local FFA chapters and build our community,” said Merrill’s son Joe Kelsay.

Merrill was a lifelong farmer and businessman in Whiteland. Over the years, he and his family owned grain elevators, a fertilizer distribution, a swine operation, and currently a seventh-generation dairy in Johnson County.

In 1970, he was the FFA Star Farmer of America and received the Distinguished Hoosier Award. He received the Sagamore of the Wabash in 2005 from Governor Joseph Kernan.

“The Johnson County community meant so much to my dad and this is a great way to celebrate his life. We thank the Foundation for making this process so easy during a difficult time,” said Joe.

Learn more and donate to the fund at jccf.org.

 

A special thanks to our Platinum Community Partners!

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