Robert F. Merchant

Robert F. Merchant (Bob) was a lifelong resident of Ithaca, Michigan, and passed away unexpectedly on March 12, 2023, in Providence, Rhode Island, at 83.  Robert was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend.   

Robert was born on July 6, 1939, to Dale and Opal Merchant and was the youngest of three boys.  He lived at the family homestead, farming with his family until creating a life of his own with Sharon Barnes on September 24, 1960, at the age of 21.  Robert was a hardworking man who worked two jobs his whole life, as a forklift operator/machinist for Lobdell Emery in Alma, Michigan, for over 30 years and as a farmer.   He never considered farming as a second job; it was his passion.  He loved farming with the love of his life Sharon and their two daughters, Cheryl, and Danette.  Robert, also known as Uncle Bob and Grandpa Bob to so many, was always there for his immediate and extended family.  When on the farm, you could find him in the fields working the land, planting, and harvesting crops, bailing hay and straw, or in the barns tending to the livestock, dehorning cattle, cleaning the barns and helping Sharon with the delivery of baby pigs late into the night.  Even though it was demanding and challenging work, Robert could still find time to be witty, laugh, and have fun with his family and friends.  He loved dancing with his wife and friends, taking long weekends with the camper and his family to Cedar Point, camping at School Section Lake, and going to Drummond Island for a week of fishing.  He also enjoyed hunting, snowmobiling, and sports.  He was known to coach through the TV and yell louder than ANY official.  Upon his retirement, Robert and his wife Sharon would spend their winters in Arizona and return to the farm every spring.  

Robert is survived by his two doting daughters, Cheryl Ann Merchant, and Danette Kim (Dani) McDermott; her husband, Tom McDermott, and grandchildren Andrea, Remy, and Ethan McDermott, Devon and Samantha Merchant Soehnge. Sister-in-law Patricia (Barnes) and Jack Paul, sister-in-law Nancy (Barnes) and Pat Stearns, sister-in-law Christine (Fraker) Barnes, brother-in-law William and Jill Barnes, his beloved nieces and nephews, and side-kicks Tye (Sharon’s dog) and Fred (his bird and personal security guard).

He is preceded in death by his admired and adored wife, Sharon Kaye (Barnes) Merchant, to whom he was married for over 60 years, his parents, Dale and Opal Merchant, and brothers Wayne and Larry (his sister-in-law Pauline) Merchant, his in-laws Hubert and Mildred Barnes, his brother-in-law Danny Barnes, and his nephew Jeffery Smith.

Robert’s family will receive extended family and friends on Friday, March 17, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Barden’s Funeral home in Ithaca, MI.  A service will be held in Roberts's honor on Saturday, March 18, at 10:00 AM at Barden’s Funeral home, followed by graveside services at New Haven cemetery.  A luncheon will be held at the New Haven Township Centre for those attending the graveside service. 

In Robert's memory, all donations can go to Future Farmers of America (FFA).

The family is being served by the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.bardenfuneralhome.com.

Comments

[Rose Purvis]

Lois and Gene and Sharon and Bob all having a great time again. Hugs to family.

[Patricia Ann Paul]

Hope Jeff finds all of them...Mom and Dad must be happy. So many years of memories. I was brides maid at their wedding. Miss them all so much

[Patricia Ann Paul]

Hope Jeff finds all of them...Mom and Dad must be happy. So many years of memories. I was brides maid at their wedding. Miss them all so much

[Gary Bupp]

Bobs mom Opal was my teacher in a one room school house. She always had stories about Bob. I worked with him at lobdell for many years, and always had a good time with him. Been to the farm a few times he was a Good Friend.