Mathew Merchant

Mathew Dale Merchant, 51, of Traverse City, Michigan, died July 14, 2025. He was born on December 16, 1973, in Traverse City to Clarence Lee Merchant and Vicky Lynn Long.

He married the love of his life, Amy Johnson, on October 11, 2003, in Traverse City. Together they created many memories and engaged in many escapades. Whether this was trail riding in the side by side, getting the truck muddy, wild berry picking, or scouting for deer, the adventure never ceased to end. He was so excited when he finally talked his wife into going hunting with him.

Mathew loved the outdoors. He looked forward to the bass fishing opener with his dad and Daytona 500 parties with his mom every year. To Mathew, he was a professional racecar driver at heart. He was always excited for big family dinners; he loved having everyone together. Mathew loved their family dogs, Tucker, Opie, and Kyla, just about more than anything.

He relished game nights with friends and participating in historical reenactments with all his Viking buddies and looked forward to doing it again when he was feeling better.

It was always joked about how grumpy he was, but he was equally kind, loving, and helpful. He would always come when anyone called and helped with anything that was within his ability; if he couldn’t help, he still showed up. Mathew always showed up. He was fierce, stubborn, and hilarious- he always had jokes. He was loud and opinionated but the most loyal friend anyone could ever count on.

Mathew worked most of his life as an auto mechanic and was a first-year member at the Kingsly Gun Club.

He is survived by his doting wife, Amy (Johnson) Merchant; mother, Vicky Long (John Pickard); father, Clarence (Lisa) Merchant; brothers, Randy (Sarah) Merchant, John (Alexandria) Merchant; sister, Kelly (Jaren) Warren; aunt, Pam Yagel; one nephew, nieces, and many cousins.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Charles and Ruth Long, Paul and Mildred Merchant; aunts, Kathleen Windrim and Laura Bradford; and cousin, Venus Bradford.

Contributions may be made directly to family. There is a Venmo account to Amy, @AmyEllenMerchant; or a go fund me link at https://gofund.me/1cbdb2bb.

A celebration of Mathew’s life will be held from 1pm to 4pm, with a service at 3pm, on Friday, July 18, 2025, at Life Story Funeral Home.

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