Martin Allen
“
Marty” Merchant, 56, of Union City,
died at home of natural causes Thursday, June 25, 2020.
A private graveside service will be
held at Union City’s Riverside Cemetery with Pastor Don Mason from the First
Congregational Church UCC of Union City officiating.
A public visitation will
be held from 11:00 AM-7:00 PM Wednesday, July 1, 2020 at Lighthouse Funeral
and Cremation in Union City.
Marty was born January 24, 1964 in
Coldwater, Michigan to Edward H. “Ted” and Sharon K. (Elliott) Merchant. He
grew up in Union City, graduated from Union City High School in 1982 and was a
lifelong resident of the community.
On June 29, 1991, he married the former
Charlotte Converse in Union City. While the union ended in divorce, the couple
had two children together, Ben and Martha, of whom Marty was very proud.
Marty was
a familiar face at his family’s multi-generational business, Merchant’s True
Value Hardware, which he eventually co-owned and operated. The store, his
family and the community were Marty’s life. Marty was EMT-trained and a captain
with the Union City Fire Department.
He was also involved in the Union City
Rotary Club and helped with the annual maple syrup project. He belonged to
Pheasants Forever and was a member of the NRA.
Although Marty had a gruff exterior,
it hid a huge heart. He was loving, thoughtful and giving, especially to
family, and always willing to help when someone was in need. Marty was curiosity-driven
and mechanically-inclined. He liked to take things apart and get them working
better. His dry wit and sarcasm were a standard part of his customer service.
Away from work, Marty loved cooking. He made awesome cinnamon rolls and loved
to charcoal grill. He tried to incorporate bacon into everything he made. Marty
especially enjoyed when he fished with his son, Ben, and spent time with his
daughter, Martha, and grandson, Brooks.
Marty is survived by his children,
Benjamin “Ben” Merchant and Martha Merchant, both of Union City; grandson
Brooks Bradford of Union City; his mother, Sharon Merchant, of Marshall;
siblings Julie (Norm) Reincke of Marshall and Doug (Lauren) Merchant of Punta
Gorda, FL; nephews Trace Reincke and Linc Reincke of Marshall and Lane Merchant
and Hunter Merchant of Punta Gorda, FL; “Uncle” Bob Merchant and “Aunt” Sara
Brewer, both of Union City; many other family members; and his close friends,
Bryant and Teasha McIntosh of Union City.
He was preceded in death by his
father and his grandparents.
Memorial donations are suggested to the
Union City Fire Department, in care of the Village of Union City, 101 S.
Broadway Street, Union City, MI 49094.
Please visit
www.lighthousefuneral.com
to share memories, pictures and videos with the family.
