SPENCER: Henry W. Merchant, Jr., 91, of Howe Village, died Friday, Nov. 11 in Lanessa Extended Care Center, Webster after an illness.
His first wife, Frances (Eldridge) died in 1959, his second Claire (Plaude) died in 1996 and his third wife Theresa (Bessette) Merchant died in 2003. He leaves his sons Henry W. Merchant,III and his wife Mary of Sturbridge, and Stephen Merchant and his wife Janet of Spencer, sisters Marion Maher of Spencer and Maria Moran of Hobe Sound, Fl., his grandson Richard Merchant and granddaughter Amanda Merchant, 4 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by 5 brothers.
Born in Webster, he was the son of Henry W. and Jennie (Abare) Merchant, Sr. He later served his country with the US Army during WWII. He was a member of the American Legion Post 138 in Spencer.
Henry, worked for 25 years at the former Reed & Prince Mfg., in Worcester before retiring in 1980.
Funeral Services will be held on Monday, Nov. 14 at 11a.m. in the J.HENRI MORIN & SON FUNERAL HOME, 23 Maple Terr., Spencer. Burial with Military Honors will follow in Pine Grove Cemetery, Spencer. A calling hour will precede the service on Monday from 10 to 11a.m. Memorial donations may be made to the Central Mass. Chapter for Homeless Veterans, 69 Grove St., Worcester, Ma. 01605.