Theron Merchant

Theron A. “Ted” Merchant, 82, of Caledonia Street in St. Johnsbury passed away at his home on Sunday, March 11, 2018.

Ted was born on May 5, 1935, in St. Johnsbury, Vermont to Theron Charles and Bernice Dexter (Heyer) Merchant.  He was raised and educated in local schools, graduating from the St. Johnsbury Trade School with the class of 1953. Ted joined the Air Force and received his Bachelor’s Degree from Solross University.  He worked in the Air Force as an air craft mechanic.  At Vermont American he worked as a hazardous waste containment specialist.

While still serving in the Air Force, Ted married Frances E. Brown on September 26, 1959. They shared 57 years together until Fran’s death in 2016.

Ted spent over 50 years with the Boy Scouts of America and was the chartered representative for St. Johnsbury Pack 6 of The United Community Church. Ted was thrice past master of Passumpsic Masonic Lodge of St. Johnsbury where he served many years as chaplain.  Ted served as lay speaker for the Union Village Methodist Church as well as doing visitation ministry for several local churches.  He also recently took the role of coordinator for the Vermont Food Bank food drop in St. Johnsbury and at the N.V.R.H.

His family reflects “One of Ted’s best known loves was that he and Fran together were known as the local coordinators of the St. Johnsbury Food Shelf.  If one thought of the food shelf, one thought immediately of Ted and Fran.  The St. Johnsbury Victorian Christmas celebration also cannot be thought of without Ted standing in the parking lot of Dunkin Donuts helping to gather food from the local peoples to divide among all the food shelves in the area.  Ted loved his children and grandchildren, especially his great-grandchildren, with a deep passion and loved life to the fullest extent.  Ted never met a person without whom he could not hold a lengthy conversation.  He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered as a servant to God county, and community.”

Ted is survived by a son, the Rev. Leo C. Merchant and wife Debbie of New Carlisle, Ohio; a daughter Eva Hamilton and husband Terry of Toronto, Ontario; two grandchildren: Melinda Sanborn (and her husband Brian), and Craig Merchant; two great-grandchildren Dante and Elizabeth Sanborn; his brother Leslie Merchant of Littleton NH.

Visiting hours will be held at the Sayles Funeral Home Wednesday, March 28, from 6-8PM.

Memorial services are scheduled for later in the spring on Tuesday, May 22 at 11 a.m. at the former South Congregational Church building on Main Street in St. Johnsbury, VT.  No parking is available at this location; please use public parking or parking at UCC United Church on Main Street.  Prior to the service he will be buried with military honors at the Mt. Pleasant Cemetery beside his dear wife Fran.

Memorial contributions can be made to Kingdom Community Services, 36 Steeple Place, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819.

Condolences can be shared with the family at www.saylesfh.com.