Richard J Merchant of Ithaca, Michigan, was born in Alma on August 9, 1929 and died May 19, 2024. His parents were Beatrice B. (Terry) and Jay Merchant, also step-mother, Elsie (Butzin) Merchant. A sister, Lenna (R.L.) Grandy predeceased him. Richard attended country schools in New Haven Township and Fulton High School.
In 1948 he was united in marriage to Carol Yvonne Glazier. Their children are Rodney Lee (Brenda Lindquist) and Scott Terry of Ithaca, also Kay Althea (Paul) Speranza of Hendersonville, N. C. and Sandra Louise Merchant of Alma. A daughter, Bonnie Jean, died at birth and foster son Richard Palmer passed in 2007. Grandchildren are Eric Merchant, Keli Speranza, Rocco Speranza, Thomas Gesler and Matthew Gesler. Great-grandchildren are Madysen Merchant and Masen Merchant. Their extended family includes step and foster grandchildren, as well as the Galadi and other cherished international friends.
Richard belonged to the Ithaca Presbyterian Church, serving on the Session. He was a member of the Ithaca School Board for 20 years and the Gratiot County Historical and Genealogical Society. A talented mechanic, he was a farmer, as were his father and grandfather. Great-grandparents, Thomas and Christina (Lett) Merchant, were early pioneers of Gratiot County. In 1991, the Merchant farm was designated Michigan Centennial Farm of the Year. In 1992, farm machinery was sold, fields rented out and Merchants wintered in Florida and North Carolina. He and Carol were blessed to become residents at Maple View Retirement Community in 2022.
A memorial service will be held for Richard at 11am on Thursday, May 23, 2024 at the First Presbyterian Church in Ithaca with The Reverend Susan Sickelka officiating. Visitation will take place at the church from 10:30am until the time of the service. A luncheon at the church will follow the memorial service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Mapleview Retirement Community for their Park Project.
The family is being served by the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.bardenfuneralhome.com.