Robert Prescott Merchant

Lt. Col. Robert Prescott (Peck) Merchant (Ret.), died June 27, 2009. Born into a military family on February 11, 1919, he was preceded in death by his devoted wife of 66 years, Violet "Vi" Robinson Merchant; and two brothers, Charles and Eugene. Peck is survived by numerous nieces and nephews. A 22 year military career followed his graduation from Virginia Tech with a degree in mechanical engineering and marriage to "Vi" in 1942. Peck served during World War II in Egypt, England, and France with subsequent tours of duty in Germany, Korea, and Taiwan. His military career included domestic assignments in Alabama, Maryland, Texas, Virginia, and the District of Columbia, where he was Director of Instruction, 8th United States Army Ordnance School. Discovering that he enjoyed teaching, Peck taught at the Community College in Northern Virginia after his retirement from military service in 1964. He continued teaching automotive mechanics at Central Virginia Community College after moving to Lynchburg in 1974, and coordinated the curricula for automotive, engineering design, industrial electricity, and electronic technology for the college in 1986 and 1987. He was a dedicated volunteer for Jones Memorial Library and for the Lynchburg Museum, serving as Historian for the museum in the mid 90's. A memorial service for Lt. Col. Merchant will be conducted 2 p.m. on Wednesday, July 8, 2009, in the Chapel of Westminster-Canterbury, 501 V.E.S. Road, Lynchburg, Va., with the Rev. Tim Gerde and the Rev. Curtis Harper officiating. Peck will rejoin his wife when he is buried with Military Honors at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, Va., is assisting the family, 434-237-9424. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.tharpfuneralhome.com.