Daniel Wayne Merchant

1925 - 2016

Daniel Wayne Merchant

MUNCIE - Daniel Wayne Merchant passed away Wednesday, June 1, 2016.

He was born in Muncie on November 17, 1925, the son of Bessie and George Merchant.

He is survived by his loving wife of seventy years, Betty Jean (Adams) Merchant; his eldest daughter, Dee (Bud) Lamb; younger daughter, Katie Merchant (Peter Vander Veer); and brother, Buck (Ruth) Merchant. Dan was also blessed with many nieces and nephews and his California family, who are all children unto him. His extended family included Gary and Sue Brown; grandchildren, Ashely (Aaron) Franklin, Danny Brown, and Lisa (Jake) Peters; and great-grandson, Zachary Franklin.

Dan was a lifelong resident of Muncie, graduating from Muncie Central and Trade School in 1943. From high school, he was inducted into the U.S. Navy, serving over two years on the USS Pennsylvania as a mechanist mate during WW II. Until retirement in 1990, he was employed as an engineer in the field of tool and die, working in various local job shops and the automotive industry, and he was a member of the Skilled Trades UAW. In 1951, Dan was initiated into the Delaware Masonic Lodge No. 46 F. &A.M. as a 32nd Degree Mason.

Dan was a member of the Walnut Street Baptist and Shawnee Heights Baptist Churches. He served actively as a Deacon and Trustee and participated on multiple committees. He was the teacher of the Friendship Class for fifty-five years, a position he thoroughly enjoyed. His study of the practical teachings of God inspired him as he journeyed down life's path, and his long-standing friendships and fellowship with members of the congregation were a testament to his love of God.

Throughout his life, Dan was actively involved with his family enjoying his horses and livestock and tending to his small farm, or as some referred to it as, 'his very, very large garden'. He had a thirst for traveling, which took him and his family throughout the United States, contiguous countries, and the Caribbean Islands. In addition, he enjoyed dancing, camping, sailing, boating, skiing, snowmobiling, playing volleyball, and attending functions of his children and grandchildren.

Dan's celebration of life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 4, 2016 at The Meeks Mortuary and Crematory, Washington Street Chapel. Delaware Masonic Lodge No. 46 will conduct rites at the mortuary prior to services. Burial will follow in Tomlinson Cemetery with full military honors provided by The United States Navy and the Veterans of Delaware County.

Friends may call from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. Saturday, June 4, 2016 at The Meeks Mortuary and Crematory, Washington Street Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, it is the family's desire that, in memory to Dan, contributions be made to Heartland Hospice Memorial Fund 333 North Summit St., PO Box 10086 Toledo, OH 43699; Leukemia & Lymphoma Society 9075 North Meridian, Suite 150 Indianapolis, IN 46260; or to Middletown Nursing & Rehabilitation Center - Art and Activities Fund, 131 S. 10th Street, Middletown, IN 47356.