Merle Merchant

Merle Melvin Merchant, 87, of Rantoul, passed away at the Villas of Hollybrook in Rantoul Wednesday morning (April 5, 2023) after a short battle with cancer. He was born December 9, 1935 in Janesville, Wisconsin to Wesley and Verna (Wolff) Merchant. He married Thelma Pauline Sanders on June 29, 1956, in San Antonio, Texas. She survives. Also surviving are a daughter, Vicki (Mark) Brooks of Rantoul; and two sons, Michael (Brenda) Merchant of Kansas City, Missouri and David (Diane) Merchant of Rochester; Grandchildren Carly (Ryan) O’Connor, Kelsey Brooks, Randi (Brian) Wenzel, Scott Breeding, Makenna Brooks, David (Andrea) Merchant, Michael Merchant, Nicholas (Lauren) Merchant, Hannah Merchant, Dana (Jeremy) Eisenhauer, Kyle Merchant, and eight great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother Wesley Merchant, sister Pam Dudek and half-sister Janice Congdon. He was preceded in death by his parents, step-mother Hazel Merchant, and sisters Barbara Hammond and Patricia Williams. Merle retired from the U.S. Air Force, then worked and retired from Dictaphone. He also worked parttime for many years at the Chanute Bowling Alley, Country Tyme Lanes in Rantoul, and Willow Pond Golf Course. Merle enjoyed bowling, golfing, fishing, his famous “10 meat cookouts”, his family, and the many precious dogs he had over the years. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, April 15 from 2:00-4:00 pm at Lux Memorial Chapel, 1551 E. Grove Ave., Rantoul. Private burial will be held at a later date

Memorials may be made to Ruby's Rescue and Retreat, 4035 E 600 North Rd., McLean, IL 61754