Earle Merchant, Sr.

Henry Earle Merchant, Sr., 78, of Prosperity, died Sunday, June 29, 2014 peacefully surrounded by his family in his home. Born June 5, 1936, he was a son of the late Cecil E. and Mattie Longshore Merchant.

Earle was a Master Sergeant in the Air Force for 20 years. After retirement from the military, he worked as a plumber and electrician. St. Luke’s Lutheran Church was his church home for many years.

Earle touched many lives through his involvement in various activities. He was a long time member of the Newberry Exchange Club and the Square Dancing Sam's Camping Club. His true passion was square dance calling. For 46 years he and his wife, Fran, were active square dancers, not only in the United States but in other countries when he was stationed overseas with the military. Earle was a lifetime member of the South Carolina Callers Association, the American Callers Association and the caller for the Smilin’ Swingers of Newberry, Columbia Twirlers of Columbia, and the Chapin Squares of Chapin. He and his wife were honored to be inducted into the South Carolina Square Dance Hall of Fame in 1992. Earle brought joy to people across the state and nation with his calling.

Earle is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Mary Frances Boozer Merchant (Fran); his two children, Gina Merchant (Charles Fulmer) Mays of Prosperity, and Henry Earle Merchant, Jr. “Hank” (Jill) of Beaufort; four grandchildren, Grant and Carter Mays and Megan and Hannah Merchant; and a stepsister, Winifred Culclasure of Chapin. In addition to his parents, Earle was predeceased by his stepmother, Janie P. Merchant, and brothers, Cecil Eugene Merchant, Jr., James Robert Merchant, and Hugh Edward Merchant.

Visitation will be held from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 1, 2014 at McSwain-Evans Funeral Home, 1724 Main Street, Newberry, S.C.

Funeral services will be conducted at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, 4056 St. Luke's Church Road, Prosperity, SC at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 2, 2014. Interment will follow in the St. Luke’s Cemetery. Memorials may be made to St. Luke's Lutheran Church.

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