Keith Douglas Merchant Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Keith Douglas Merchant of Cadillac passed away Tuesday, May 6, 2014 at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City. He was 66. He was born September 13, 1947 in Cadillac to Douglas and Ruth (Johnson) Merchant. Keith graduated from Cadillac High School and later earned his Bachelor's Degree from Ferris State University. He had a true entrepreneurial spirit and owned and operated several local businesses, such as: Cadillac Industrial Supply, American Punch and Die and B & P Manufacturing, which he presently owned with his wife Gale. Based upon these tireless efforts, he received significant local and state recognition for manufacturing excellence. He felt most comfortable behind the scenes and had a passion for involvement in the local community. He donated to many local causes as well as served in many capacities for various organizations. He served on the board of Junior Achievement and the Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce and was awarded Cadillac Chamber's Outstanding Citizen of the Year in 1999. Keith was a long term member of the Cadillac Industrial Fund and was a founding member of Cadillac Downtown Fund as well as the Cadillac Area Industrial Group. He also was vice chair of The Cadillac Firstbank board of directors. Keith never sought recognition and worked continuously to complete any project or task that he undertook. He enjoyed boating, motorcycles, snowmobiling, hunting and fishing. He is survived by his wife, Gale Merchant of Cadillac; children, Brad (Lisa) Merchant of Howard City, and Nicole Hough of Cadillac; step children, Jon Larr of Grandville, Larry (Marcie) Larr of Leroy and Linda (Russell "ButchÃ¢â‚¬Â ) Westdorp of McBain; seven grandchildren, a cousin, Coral (John) Tripp of Harrietta and step mother Geri Merchant. Keith was preceded in death by his parents; an infant son, Scott; an infant grandson, Christian Hough; cousins, Jerry (Nancy) Tyler and Darryl Tyler, Uncle and Aunt Truman (Ruby) Tyler. Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, May 10, 2014 at the Zion Lutheran Church in Cadillac with Reverend Rich Langton and Reverend Scott Torkko officiating. Friends may meet the family Friday from 4-7 p.m. at the Peterson Funeral Home in Cadillac. Burial will be at Maple Hill Cemetery in Cadillac. Memorials contributions may be made to Multiple Sclerosis Society. An online guestbook is available at www.petersonfh.com.

Keith Douglas Merchant

September 13, 1947 - May 6, 2014