Walter "Merle" Fuqua

Walter “Merle” Fuqua, 78, of Peru passed away on Wednesday, November 17, 2021 at the VA Hospital in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Walter was born on May 2, 1943 to Walter M. and Hazel Irene (Gillenwater) Fuqua.  He married Maryann (Ramer) Fuqua in Peru on October 4, 1966, and she survives.

Merle was a lineman in the United States Marines during the Vietnam war.  He was a member of the VFW.  After the military, he went to work for the N&W Railroad as an electrician, repairing locomotives.  He also worked for the C&O Railroad, and later transferred out of Peru to West Virginia on the CSX Railroad.

“Sparky” was his handle on the CB bowling league he bowled for.  Merle took a group of Boy Scouts to the “shop” where he worked so the kids could see the inside of the trains.  In the 1970’s, he also coached the Peru Giants baseball team.

When “Sparky” retired, he met up with friends for a cup of coffee and great conversation every day.  He also thoroughly enjoyed watching WWE every week.  He was a very giving man, donating money to all sorts of organizations.  Merle didn’t know a stranger.  He could find humor in anything for any reason.  His love for his family shined every day.

He is survived by his wife, and their children John (Bobbye) Fuqua, Randy (Kim) Fuqua, and Lori Fuqua; grandchildren Travis Fuqua, Shayna Fuqua, Rachele Leake, Laura Rhoades, Kaylee Hileman, and Tiffany Fuqua; and great-grandchildren Chance Shotts, Ashton Pruitt, Milly Rhoades, Kiara Hoff, and Chase Miller.

Visitation will be held from 11am to 1pm on Wednesday, November 24, 2021 at Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home, 105 West Third Street, Peru, Indiana.  Funeral service will follow at 1pm.  Burial will take place at Mount Hope Cemetery in Peru.  Military service will be provided by the Miami County Military Rites Team.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Marion VA dementia unit.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home. Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.FlowersLeedyAllen.com.

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