MEXICO – Earl G. “Buddy” Merchant, 78, died Wednesday, April 4, at his home in Mexico after a long illness.

Born in Rumford Point, April 10, 1928, he was a son of William and Selma (Shaw) Merchant. He attended Mexico schools.

He worked for the town of Rumford and then Thurston’s Mill.

He was married in Dixfield, April 27, 1963, to Sally Haynes, who survives, of Mexico. Other survivors include a son, John Merchant and his companion, Donna, of Mexico; a daughter, Pamela Henderson of Virginia Beach, Va.; half brothers, Charles Jamison and his wife, Leslie, of Mexico, Ralph Merchant and his wife, Theresa, of Scarborough, Melvin Merchant and his wife, Joannie, of Milford, Mass.; half sisters, Marjorie Scott and her husband, Francis, of Rumford, Marie Adams and her husband, Herbie, of Winstead Conn.; a daughter-in-law, Lauren Merchant of Canton; several grandchildren; great-grandchildren; and numerous cousins; nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by two brothers, William and Clyde; a sister, Louise; a half brother, Albert Jamison; a half sister, Rosalie Hurlburt; a son, James Wing; stepmother, Beatrice Merchant; and a stepson, Gary Lee Haynes.

The family would like to thank hospice nurse Debbie White and the staff and nurses at the Rumford Hospital, and offer a special thank-you to Evelyn Gautreau.