Neil Medler

Frederic Neil Medler, age 92, of Portland, Indiana, died Feb. 11, 2024.

He was born Oct. 25, 1931, in Hartford City, Indiana, to George and Deloris Medler. They moved to Portland in 1934 where his father was the manager of the new Portland Coal and Ice Company. As a very young boy, “Neil” helped deliver ice and coal throughout Portland and Jay County.

In 1944 his father opened a fuel oil, gasoline, coal and appliance store at the site of the “Totten” building, which evolved into Medler’s Furniture. Neil was a 1949 graduate of Portland High School and was a member of the 1946 undefeated, untied and unscored upon football team. He was noted for his football toughness and earned the name “Meatnose” for his hard-nosed play. He was also a member of the 1948 Portland Panther semi-state finalist basketball team.

He married Ann McKinley on Dec. 10, 1950, and she preceded him in death in December 2003. They have three sons, Michael Medler (wife: Sue), Pat Medler (wife: Paula) and Dr.George Medler (wife: Rhonda); eight grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren; as well as several nieces and nephews.

“Neil” was a Portland city councilman for 24 years, and served as both council president and interim mayor. He was involved in the development of Portland Industrial Park to include helping to bring Alphabet, FCC and Tyson Foods to Portland. He was a member of the Portland Park Board for 40 years and was proud of the development of the park system to include North Park and Hudson Family Park. He served as president and treasurer of the Portland Lions Club and was a board member of Main Source Bank and the Portland Area Chamber of Commerce. He was volunteer treasurer for Asbury United Methodist Church for 20 years, head usher for 40 years and a member of the church for 75 years. He served as the longtime treasurer of the Portland Alumni Association, as well as a Jay School Corporation trustee. Neil was a nominee for the 2015 Jay County Chamber of Commerce Lifetime Achievement Award and received the Cincinnatus Club Lifetime Achievement Award. He was honored by the Boy Scouts with an appreciation award in October 2023 for his dedication to community service. He worked in the family business at Medler’s Furniture for over 72 years. He was also an avid golfer and sports enthusiast, and loved to play the piano, the harmonica and write poetry.

On June 15, 2005, Neil married Judith-James Toms, who survives, and started another chapter in his life. He became the new stepfather to Amy Henderson (Craig) Angela Kyle (Jay) and Craig Toms (Tamara) and had six step-grandchildren; one step-nephew; a brother-in-law, Ed James; and a sister-in-law Mary Lou James Kravitz. Neil and Judy remained active in Portland and the surrounding area by attending various events.

Private family services will be in the Baird-Freeman Funeral Home with Pastor Joe Boggs presiding. Burial in the Green Park Cemetery in Portland.

Memorials can be made to The Portland Foundation, Asbury United Methodist Church or choice of the donor.

Condolences may be expressed at bairdfreeman.com.