Submitted by: Dan Rich

Merle D. Blue

Sept. 1, 1918 - March 27, 2005

South Bend Tribune 3/30/2005

The inspiring life of Merle D. Blue, retired teacher at Mishawaka High School and longtime resident of St. Joseph County, ended on March 27 in Tempe, Arizona. Born in Marion, Indiana, in 1918, Mr. Blue received his bachelor's and master's degrees in history at Indiana University-Bloomington, and served in World War II.

Merle and Maxine Blue settled in Mishawaka following the war, where he taught social studies for 37 years at Mishawaka High School. After retiring, Mr. Blue was an active volunteer at the Northern Indiana Center for History and the Mishawaka Public Library. He was also active in the First United Methodist Church. Merle Blue was a local historian, who contributed guest columns to the Enterprise and South Bend Tribune, particularly on the myth of Princess Mishawaka and other local history. Mr. Blue enjoyed traveling, was a kind friend, father and grandfather who touched countless lives. After moving to Arizona in 2002, he attended the annual Mishawaka High School alumni luncheons, and appreciated his continued friendships with many former students and other friends in Michiana. Those who knew him often described him as a kind and gracious gentleman.

Mr. Blue is survived by his daughter, Beth Blue Swadener, and granddaughter, Rachel Blue Swadener of Tempe, Arizona. He was preceded in death by Maxine (Hudlow) Blue, Lucille (Franks) Blue, and Clarice (Cuskaden) Blue, who died in May 2001.

A memorial service will be held in Mesa, Arizona, on Sunday, April 3. Memorial contributions may be made to the Mishawaka High School Scholarship Foundation; or to the First United Methodist Church Memorial Scholarship Fund (201 E. Third St., Mishawaka, IN 46544).