Dr. C. Merrill Dailey, 88 of Speedway, formerly of Crawfordsville, passed away at home on Monday.
He was born October 24, 1927 in Marion, IN to Curtis W. & Delene Kelley Dailey.
Dr. Dailey was a graduate of Ball State University receiving his BS in Business in 1949 and his MA in 1950. In 1968 he set a goal to earn his doctorate degree, he achieved that goal in 1975 from Indiana University.
He served in the US Army from 1953-54, while in the Army he was a finance specialist at the American Embassy in Cairo, Egypt. He also taught psychology and Sociology at the American University. He worked at New Castle Public Schools from 1950-1962, Manchester Community Schools from 1962-65 and Crawfordsville Community Schools where he served as Superintendent from 1965-86. He was instrumental in starting many programs at Crawfordsville including Special Education and Vocational Cooperative programs, Adult education courses, Just say No and PRIDE Team. He and Ray Lutes initiated the Camping trip for 6th grade students (now for 5th grade). In 1981 he Dr. Arvin, & Dr. Steele initiated the gifted and talented program. Following retirement he continued working as a consultant for Gibraltar Design and Everett Brown Architectural Firm, as well as ET Koby Dental Labs.
Dr. Dailey and his wife, Betty "Jo" Chism Dailey were married in Marion Indiana and celebrated their 59th Anniversary in July, she survives. He is also survived by his son Matthew and grandchildren Ryan Merrill Dailey and Lauren Ann Dailey.

Funeral services will be held 4:00pm Wednesday at First United Methodist Church with Pastor Gary Lewis officiating. Visitation will be from 2-4pm at the Church.
Interment will be in the Garden of Memory Cemetery, Marion, IN at 1:00pm Thursday
Memorial contributions may be made to Crawfordsville Community Foundation or The Wounded Warrior Project.