Obituaries : Marcus C. “Marc” Merchant

Marcus C. "Marc" Merchant, 59, passed away on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at the Dennis & Donna Oldorf Hospice House in Hiawatha, with his family by his side.

A Celebration of Marc's Life will be held from 1:00 until 5:00 PM, Friday, January 24, 2025, at the Vinton Skating Rink.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family for distribution to several of Marc's favorite charities.

Marc was born on May 2, 1965, in Vinton, the twin son of James "Jim" and Donna (Schirm) Merchant.  He graduated from Washington High School in Vinton, with the class of 1983.  Marc worked as an operator for Benton County Secondary Roads for many years prior to his illness.

Marc was a member of 4-H and FFA during high school and had a deep love for farming.  He enjoyed working with his brother Allan on the farm.  Marc loved baseball and coached little league when his sons played.  He also worked in private security in addition to his work for Benton County.  He had a number of hobbies, including demo derby's, tractor pulling, cutting wood, fishing with family, and using his mechanical skills to build and race cars.  His greatest Joy though was his family.  He was known as "Yes" grandpa, his grandsons were not familiar with the word No coming from Grandpa Marc's mouth.   

Marc is survived by his mother Donna Merchant of Vinton;  sons, Bryce (Colleen) Merchant of Vinton, Nathan (Jordan) Merchant of Vinton; his grandsons, Kip Merchant and McCoy Merchant; his partner, Ranae Bell of Vinton; his 3 brothers, Allan (Teresa) Merchant of Vinton, twin brother, Mike Merchant of Garrison, Scott (Annette) Merchant of Vinton; and many nieces and nephews; and great-nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his "girl" Rosie; father Jim Merchant in 2023; his twin brother and sister, Dennis, and Denise; and his great-niece Elsie Dulin. 

Online condolences www.phillipsfuneralhomes.com