Mr. Melvin R. "Blackie" Merchant, 85, of Milford MA died Sunday (November 11, 2018) at his residence after a lengthy illness surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved husband of Joan L. (Gilks) Merchant.

Mr. Merchant was born in Mexico ME, the son of the late William and the late Mary (Arsenault) Merchant. He attended school in Rumford ME and was first employed as a young man as a lumber jack, working in the woods of Maine. He later worked at the General Motors Assembly Plant in Framingham MA for thirty years, from which he retired.

Mr. Merchant had been a resident of Milford since 1964, residing in Maine prior to that. He was a longtime member of the Nipmuc Rod & Gun Club and an avid bowler at Ficco's Bowladrome in Franklin MA. He was also an avid Boston Red Sox fan & NE Patriots fan.

Along with his beloved wife of 62 years, he is survived by 6 Daughters: Sharon wife of David Faherty of Northbridge MA; Brenda, wife of Brian Phillips of Milford MA; Kim, wife of Donald Blauth of Uxbridge MA; Kelly, wife of Joe Castignetti of Medway MA; Penny Muise of Milford MA and Carrie, wife of Denis Sherlock of Bellingham MA; 2 Sons: Michael Merchant and his wife Tammi of TN and Mark Merchant and his wife Cheryl of TN; 24 Grandchildren; 31 Great Grandchildren; 2 Sisters: Marjorie Scott of Maine and Marie Adams of CT;    1 former Daughter-in-law: Kelly (Griffin) Merchant of Hopedale MA; also several nieces & nephews.

Mr. Merchant was the father of the late Matthew Merchant and the brother of the late Clyde Merchant, the late Everett Merchant, the late Buddy Merchant and the late Ralph Merchant.

Funeral Services will be held Monday (November 19th) at 10am at the Edwards Memorial Funeral Home, 44 Congress Street, Milford MA. Burial will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery in Milford MA. Visiting hours will be Sunday (November 18th) from 2pm to 5pm at the Edwards Memorial Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Salmon VNA & Hospice, 37 Birch Street, Milford MA 01757.