Kenneth Kee Merchant, 90, of Monticello passed away Sunday, November 12, 2023, at his home. He was born September 19, 1933, in Cominto to the late William H. (Bill), and Eutilla Kee Merchant. He was a lifetime resident of Drew County.
He was a self-employed logger and pulpwood hauler for 18 years. He then became a Forester with Arkansas Forestry Commission and was a timber buyer for Baylee Timber Co. for three years. He was a longtime member of Cominto Baptist Church and was a Sunday School teacher, Sunday School Superintendent and Church Treasurer. He served on Collins School Board for 14 years and Drew Central Board for four years.
He enjoyed hunting, camping, fishing and working with his horses, cattle, hogs and dogs. He was a people person and had numerous friends and acquaintances. When the family would take an out of town or even an out of state outing, there would always be someone there that knew him. Although we never got the opportunity with him, we often said if he took a trip to another country, he would no doubt run into someone he knew! He loved to talk.
Along with his parents he was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 61 years, Martha ''Sue'' Merchant.
He is survived by his daughter, Pam (Johnnie) Murphy of Monticello, his son, Rusty (Glenda) of Monticello and his brother, Billy Randel Merchant of Monticello.
He is also survived by his granddaughter, Brooke Erin (Josh) McGee of Whitehall, step granddaughter, Heather (Brad) Hendrix of Almyra and step grandson, Brent Goetz of Stuttgart. He was also survived by great granddaughter, Sydney Allyssa (Matthew Smith) Reed of Hampton, and two great grandsons Christopher Reed and Blake Hendrix, three great great granddaughters. Mackenzie, who he fondly called ''Whistle Britches'', Gracelynn and Annalise, Sisters-In-Law, Wanda Chester of Benton, Jean Hooks of Halley, Shirley Kizer of Collins, and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation was held at Stephenson Dearman Funeral Home in Monticello, Arkansas on Tuesday, November 14, 2023, from 6-8 p.m. Funeral services were Wednesday, November 15, 2023, at 10 a.m. at Stephenson Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Mike Griffith and Rev. Joe Chambers officiating. Burial followed in Rash Cemetery.
The Merchant family would like to extend a very special thanks to Dr. Jeff Reinhart, Dr. Adib Mohiuddin, and Arkansas Hospice for the excellent care given to our beloved Kenneth.
Memorials may be sent to Rash Cemetery, c/o Glenda Merchant, 205 S. Cominto Rd., Monticello, AR 71655.
