Robert “Bob” Donald Merchant passed away on Thursday, June 8, 2023 in Columbus, OH with family at his side.
Bob was born on March 1, 1933 in Great Barrington, MA to George and Edith Casper Merchant. He was the youngest of six children. He graduated from Searles High School and went on to play baseball, pitching in the Philadelphia Phillies farm system. In 1953 he enlisted in the Army and joined the XVIII Airborne Corps, completing 49 jumps.
After his time in the army, Bob attended Bryant College, completing a degree in accounting in 1958. He began his professional life with the Central Intelligence Agency in Washington D.C., where he met the love of his life, Mary Ann Healy. Bob became an auditor for RCA, where he traveled to different locations in the Eastern United States. In 1962 he began working for Sealtest Foods, eventually joining their sales team. He and Mary Ann began their married life on October 13, 1962 in Cuyahoga Falls, OH. They were married 58 years. They welcomed their son Rhett in 1965 and later their daughter Leigh in 1969. Bob took a position with Dairy Farm Products in Orrville and the family moved to Wooster, OH in 1978. In 1992 Bob began working for Great Lakes Milk in Chicago, IL but continued to reside in Wooster. He retired in 2008, at the age of 75.
Mr. Merchant enjoyed baseball and spent many summers coaching his son Rhett and others with the Hot Stove Baseball League. He was a gardener who loved to watch the seasons change. Bob was also an avid reader, who was self-taught on many subjects, but especially history. Bob also enjoyed learning about bourbon. He and Mary Ann enjoyed many trips on the Bourbon Trail.
Surviving are his son Rhett (Mia) Merchant of Danville, PA, daughter Leigh Merchant of Anchorage, AK, Grandchildren Mikala (Mason) Fausnaught, Kye Merchant and Van Merchant, brother-in-law Robert (Terry) Healy, and his nieces Linda (Alton) Hargrove, Karen (John) Pane and nephews Kevin Curtis, Melvin (Kate) Merchant, and Sean (Paola) Healy.
In addition, Bob leaves behind the most wonderful neighbors, whose unselfish support and affection allowed him to remain in the home and community he loved with dignity.
There will be an open house on Friday, June 30, 2023 from 1:00-4:00 PM at the Merchant residence, 332 Blair Blvd. Wooster, where they lived since Memorial Day weekend 1988.
McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home, 216 E. Larwill St., Wooster is assisting the family.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, contributions be directed to the Wayne County Dog Shelter, 5694 Burbank Rd, Wooster, OH 44691.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mcintirebradhamsleek.com
My condolences Rhett, and prayers for your family during this time.
Sorry for your loss and prayers to the family. He was a great man and he enjoyed his lamb chops. Jeff and Tammy Shearer and Emmy Shearer.
I always enjoyed when Bob and Mary Ann would come into the Ark Veterinary Hospital. We would enjoy catching up and some whitty banter. He will be missed.
To Rhett and Leigh So Sorry for your Loss—I am very grateful for Your Dad in Helping me along with my Career in the Dairy Business. I will always remember my Visits with Bob and Mary Ann in Wooster as I Traveled through Ohio to Chicago and Wisconsin. Many Nights we talked about the Indians and the Red Sox, The Civil War, Hawaii, and an Occasional Discussion on Politics. I will always Treasure our Friendship –Again Thank-You Bob and Mary Ann—RIP
Bob Merchant has been a very dear friend to me since I have known him and the entire Merchant family in 1986.
I have always considered him family and cherished all the times spending Christmases and Thansksgiving with Bob , Mary Ann and family. Always felt as part of the family.
He is now with the Good Lord.
Thank you for your service. Condolences to the family.
So sorry to hear about Bobs passing. I met him back in the 80s when I worked at the Orrville Buehlers. He always came in for lunch. He was such a nice guy. When I moved to the Wooster store years later I met up with him again. He always gave me a hard time and then he would tell me about his latest bourbon. I’ve been wondering why I haven’t seen him in the store lately. I’m sure going to miss him.