Paul K. Merchant

Paul King Merchant, 83, of Eldridge, IA and Mesa, AZ, formerly of Lanark, IL, died on Wednesday November 16, 2011 at St. Joseph Hospital in Phoenix, AZ after a sudden illness. Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, November 21, 2011, at the Frank – Law – Jones Funeral Home in Mt. Carroll, Illinois. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, November 22, also at the Frank – Law – Jones Funeral Home, Mt. Carroll. Burial will follow in the Lanark Cemetery, Lanark, Illinois.
Born February 11, 1928 in Freeport IL, he was the second child born to John Robert Merchant, Sr. and Florence (King) Merchant. Paul was a graduate of Lanark High School Class of 1946 and attended the University of Illinois. He served in the United States Air Force from 1949 to 1953, attaining the rank of First Lieutenant. Paul married Elizabeth Jean (Betty) Fuchiek in Wisconsin Dells, WI on February 14, 1953. She died on July 1, 1989. Paul married Virginia (Appel) Lubben on October 30, 1992 and she survives.
In the mid-1950’s, Paul and Warren Barklow established Barklow and Merchant TV and Appliance in Lanark, which later became Merchant TV and Appliance, operating until 1976. After selling his business, Paul worked in sales positions in the Northern Illinois area until his retirement in 1992.
Paul had a keen eye for detail, was meticulous in his craftsmanship, and enjoyed the challenge of repairing the unrepairable, or of “building the better mousetrap”. He was the ultimate handyman. He enjoyed working with the public and was knowledgeable on a wide range of subjects. Paul enjoyed travelling and had a real passion for the game of golf. He was particularly proud to have scored 2 holes-in-one in his lifetime. He was a great husband, father, grandfather, mentor, and friend to many.
Paul was a former member of the Lanark Lions Club, Lanark Chamber of Commerce, and Crouse-Engles American Legion Post 0357, where he served terms as Commander.
Paul is survived and will be dearly missed by his wife, Virginia of Eldridge, IA; his children, Douglas (Cheryl) Merchant of Effingham, IL, Susan (Chris) Bracken of Naples, FL, David Merchant of Lanark, Don (fiancée Mary Woods) of Freeport, IL, Elizabeth (Ronald) Myatt, of West Frankfort, IL and Patricia (James) Elliott of Frederick, Maryland; twelve grandchildren, Aaron, Cliff, Jacqlyn and Alex Merchant, Ryan Nance, Jessica Merchant, Heather (Chris) Friedler and Amy Merchant, Sarah (Tyler) Patton and Rebecca Myatt, and Victoria and Andrew Elliott; three great-grandchildren, Ethan Friedler, Emery Patton and Cole Myatt; three step-daughters, Peggy Wenstrom of Rockford, IL, Jill (Jim) Clark of LeClaire, IA, and Caran Henry of Moline, IL; five step-grandchildren, Brian (Elana) Engelkes and Carisa (Brad) Franks, Timothy (Kathleen) Hanna, Jennifer Hanna, and Cathleen Henry; four step-great grandchildren, Grant Engelkes, Eliza and Lillian Hanna, and Lucy Franks; sister Mary Ann Colborn and sister-in-law Janice Merchant, both of Winnebago, IL; and brother-in-law Robert (Jess) Fuchiek, Los Angeles, CA.
Paul was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Betty; daughter-in-law, Sara (Daehler) Merchant; two brothers, John Robert (Bobby) Merchant, Jr. and Theodore (Ted) Merchant; and brother-in-law Robert Colborn.