Edward Ted "Ted" Merchant

Edward H. “Ted” Merchant, 74, of Union City, passed away January 10, 2012 at Lifespan Hospice Residence in Battle Creek. He was born August 20, 1937 in Coldwater, to Edward B. & Wanda L. (Lear) Merchant. He married Elizabeth “Betsy” Wilkins on August 14, 1993 in Union City. She survives.

He lived his entire life in the Union City area, graduating from Union City High School in 1955, obtaining his Bachelor Degree in Business Management from Michigan State University. Ted served in the Army National Guard, he was a member of the Rotary Club for many years, and the Jaycees serving as Senator in Jaycee International. He was the owner of Merchant’s Hardware in Union City along with his cousin, Bob Merchant. Ted enjoyed recreational sports, fishing, hunting, golf and the Merchants Hardware bowling team. He also volunteered on the Union City Planning Commission, he was a volunteer on the Union City Fire Department where he served as Captain. The hardware store was his life.

Ted is survived by his wife, Betsy, son; Marty (Suzanne) Merchant, daughter; Julie (Norm) Reincke, son; Doug (Lauren) Merchant, step-son; Eric (Kathy) Wallace, step-daughter; Beatrice (Tom) Striffler, 6 grandchildren; Ben, Martha, Trace, Linc, Lane, Hunter, 2 step-grandchildren; Megan and Cameron, his sister; Mary (Lynn) Robbins, brother-in-law; Tom Kersey along with several nieces, nephews and cousins, cousin and business partner, Bob (Fran) Merchant. He was preceded in death by his parents, infant brother; Richard and sister; Louise Kersey.

Visitation will be Sunday, January 15, 2012 from 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Putnam Funeral Home in Union City. Services celebrating Ted’s life will be held on Monday, January 16, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. with one hour of visitation prior to the service at the Union City Congregational Church with Pastor Karen Nachtigall officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Union City Congregational Church or the American Cancer Society. You may leave an online tribute by visiting www.putnamfuneralhome.com

The family was assisted by Putnam Funeral Home 517/741-9333