Marc Emerit "Merit" Takach

Marc Emerit "Merit" Takach, 50 of West Columbia peacefully passed away on January 17th, 2025 surrounded by family members after a long courageous battle with cancer which he fought to the very end. He was born in Birmingham, Alabama to Mark W. Takach and Rhonda "Karen" (Smith) Takach, and grew up in Columbia, SC.

Merit was a graduate of Cardinal Newman High School where he played the position of linebacker on the football team. In his senior year, he was all-conference co-captain and according to his coach he was referred to as the quarterback of the defense & was a role model to his team. He attended Clemson and the University of SC. He was a self employed master carpenter & caregiver for many family members.

He loved spending time with family at Lake Murray, going to the mountains and the beach. He was well known for his beautiful smile and kind heart.

Surviving are his uncle, Jim Takach (Cindy); aunts, Lynn S. Scott & Chris T. Sheppard (Stephen); nephew, Kayden Endsley; cousins, Kappy Brazell (Tom), Savanna Brazell, Lauren Rachwal (Ed), Stacey Kirkland, Scott Neal, Bridget Swindall (Devin), Jimmy Takach (Jenny), Brianna Takach, Kayla Takach, Chance Takach & his mother, Roberta, Kristin Takach & her mother, Melissa, and other extended family and friends.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sister, Madison Bell; paternal grandparents, Eleanor & John Takach Sr.; maternal grandparents, Ruth & E.C. Smith, and other family members.

The family would like to thank Mrs. Joyce Robinson and her son Brent for their generosity and kindness to Merit. Thanks also to the hospice staff at Prisma Richland, Lexington Hospice House & for all the prayers, calls & texts to the family.

The family will have a private celebration of life at a later time with family and close friends.

Fond memories & expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.caughmanlexington.com for the family.