Ronald Dean Merchant was born in Orange CA to Norma and Joseph Merchant. He had a difficult child hood being in the foster system moving from family to family. When he was 11 he was brought into the Burkhardt home and that became his forever family. His mother and father’s name were Jo Ann and Joseph, they considered Ron as their own and brought him in with open arms. He has 3 sisters and is very close with his oldest sister Lori. He has many biological brothers and sisters and has been in and out of touch with them over the years. Ron attended Norco High School and played football all four years. Ron loved football and was very successful in high school so he continued playing for the semi professional team “The Inland Empire Force”. He loved playing and was so proud that he got the chance to play semi pro football. Ron married the love of his life, Suzie, in 1986. He worked for El Yeager as a foreman over seeing the building and construction of the 91 freeway for many years. He had three children who he loved very much and they were his life. Chris -1989, Meghann-1992 and Erinn-1999. He loved being a father and his greatest pleasure was to coach all three in their desired sports. In the early 2000’s Ron started his own business as a roofing contractor and built a successful company from scratch (Ronald Merchant Roofing). Everyone that knows Ron knows he loved the Dallas Cowboys. They were his team and he followed them religiously. Ron also loved black jack, fishing, his dogs, Big Bear, George straight, classic rock, his garage and spending time with his wife and kids. Ron was a wonderful man, rough around the edges but soft on the inside with one of the most selfless hearts. He is survived by his wife of 33 years and his 3 grown children. He is gone but never forgotten and will always hold memories in our hearts.
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