Richard H. Merchant

Richard H. Merchant, 72

HARRINGTON — Richard H. Merchant, age 72, passed away Monday, Dec. 9, 2015 at Milford Memorial Hospital. He was the son of the late Samuel and Gertrude Merchant.

Mr. Merchant worked as a forklift operator for 25 years at US Cold Storage in Milford before retiring.  Mr. Merchant was proud to have served in the US Army where he  received a Vietnam Service Medal, Sharp Shooter Medal and Good Conduct Medal. He continued to help his fellow military members through his work with the American  Legion, Post 7, and as a Lifetime member of the Milford VFW. Mr. Merchant was an American Legion past commander, a past district commander and on the state level a Sergeant at Arms. He was also a member of the Harrington Moose Lodge.

Mr. Merchant enjoyed watching football, baseball and wrestling. He enjoyed good food  and going to Shady Maple in Lancaster. He was a friend to all, known as a a jokester but also a teddy bear at heart. He enjoyed spending time with his friends, comrades, and family.  He especially loved to spoil his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Mr. Merchant will be missed by many.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Merchant is preceded in death by a son, Thomas Carroll; brothers, Nelson Merchant, Doug Merchant and sister, Ann Everett.

Mr. Merchant is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Beverly Merchant of  Harrington; sons, Wayne K. Carroll of Harrington, Jeffrey R. (Martha) Carroll of  Richmond Va., Robert A. (Stacey) Carroll of Marydel, Md., and Richard “Rick” H. (Julie) Merchant Jr of Harrington; 11 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; two nieces: Debbie Davis and Lisa Cooper; and in-laws; Donald and Ginny Jenkins and Valerie Porter.

Services will be Sunday, Dec. 13th, at Melvin Funeral Home, 15522 South DuPont  Hwy., Harrington at 2 p.m.  Interment will follow at the Hollywood Cemetery. A  visitation for family and friends will take place 1 hour prior. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made directly to the Melvin funeral home to help defray funeral costs.

Arrangements are by the Thomas E. Melvin & Son Funeral Home Inc, Harrington, Del. Visit us at www.melvinfuneralhome.com to send flowers or sign condolence book.

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