Wilmer Ray Metzger, 78, North Manchester, passed away unexpectedly of a heart attack at his home on April 10, 2020, at 7:11 p.m. He was born March 29, 1942, in North Manchester to the late Orville and Mae E. (Niccum) Metzger.

On April 24, 1976 he married Janet Miller at her parents’ home. They only lacked fourteen days of having their forty-fourth wedding anniversary. This union was blessed with two sons.

He is survived by his loving companion, Janet Metzger, North Manchester; son, Wesley (Esther) Metzger, North Manchester; daughter-in-law, Janelle (Nathan) Bowman; eight grandsons, Zachary , Zane, Regan and Rodney Metzger, Zack, Stewart, Reid, and Logan Bowman; one brother, Max (Irene) Metzger, Silver Lake; three brothers-in-law, Billie Blocher, Ernie Acord, and Don (Nina) Miller; and two sisters-in-law, Agatha Metzger and Cynthia Miller.

Preceding him in death is one son, Nathan Metzger; four brothers, Leon, Eldon, Mark, and his twin, Delmar Metzger; three sisters, Catherine Metzger, Esther Blocher, and Leona Acord; and father and mother in-law Everett and Esther Miller.

Wilmer was baptized on Nov. 5, 1964, into the Old German Baptist Church at North Manchester to which he remained faithful.

Except for two years of service in Lafayette, he lived his entire life around North Manchester. His married life was spent on a farm until the last five years when he and his wife retired to a house in North Manchester. He soon had a little garden planted where he was always happy digging in the dirt and watching plants grow. He had just come in the house from covering up the red beets when his Lord called him home.

Family and friends may call from 3-7 p.m., Tuesday, April 14, at the Old German Baptist Brethren Church, 12546 North State Road 13, North Manchester. A private service and graveside will be held Wednesday, April 15. The Old German Baptist Home Brethren will officiate.

The family has entrusted McKee Mortuary with final arrangements.