John C Merchant

Born in Chicago in 1950, John enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corp shortly after graduating high school. A rifle sharpshooter, John rose to the rank of Staff Sargent during his Indochina service, traveling and exploring the area when he could. After further education and a varied corporate career, John, who always had a “creative solution”, ultimately retired as a union electrician from IBEW Local 134.

John was a devoted son to his late parents Robert, Sr. and Catharine. He cherished his children, Roberto (Jill) and Leslie (Austen) Parrish and beloved granddaughters Natalie and Amelie Parrish. John was a dear brother to his siblings Kathryn Roy; Carol Giffey; the late Robert, Jr; Thomas; and Deborah. John was a loving uncle to his siblings’ children and their children and was especially close to William (Kerry) Giffey, Jeanette Giffey, and William’s daughters.

John is also survived by his wife’s sons, Roland (Kimberly) Howarth and Dennis Kaftan who was a great help and comfort to John over the last couple of years; the Mother of his children, Emma (nee Sandoval); and many friends including those from the union, American Legion and Veterans of Foreign War members and fellow motorcyclists.

A ceremony to honor the proud Marine will be held at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery on November 29, 2022 at 11:00am.