Obituaries : Don Merchant

VINTON: Don Merchant, 82, died Tuesday, February 18, 2014 at Mercy Medical Center in Cedar Rapids.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 AM, Saturday, February 22, 2014 at Prairie Creek Church near Urbana with Rev. Dennis Sackett officiating. Visitation will be from 4-7 PM, Friday at Phillips Funeral Home, 212 E 6th St. in Vinton. Interment will be at Cox Cemetery near Urbana with graveside military rites conducted by Geo. G. Luckey American Legion Post #57 of Vinton and Iowa Military Funeral Honors.

Don was born December 9, 1931 at Vinton to Carl and Elsie (Williams) Merchant. He was united in marriage to Viola Tuttle on November 24, 1973 at Vinton.

Prior to his retirement, Don was an owner/operator of a trucking business and the Vinton Elevator. He also worked for Benton County Secondary Roads. Don was a member of Geo. G. Luckey American Legion Post #57 of Vinton.

Don is survived by his sons, John (Melea) Merchant of Vinton and Marshall (Thanya) Seltrecht; his daughters, Sue Ann Hunt of Vinton, Monica (Dan) Friedman of Belle Plaine, Billie Jo Coady of Vinton, and Chris (Lynn) Lafler of Van Horne; 15 grandchildren: 16 great grandchildren; two brothers, Derald (Karen) Merchant and Terry Merchant all of Vinton; his step-sister, Marcia Hite of Vinton; and two step-brothers, Larry Moody of Mt. Auburn and Don Moody of Vinton.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Viola; one daughter, Cindy Merchant; granddaughter, Jacque Merchant; great grandson, Paul Smith, Jr.; son-in-law, Linwood Hunt; brother, Dale Merchant; and one step-brother, Keith Moody.

A memorial fund has been established. Online condolences may be left at: www.phillipsfuneralhomes.com.