Mark Franklyn Merchant

*In Lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in Mark's name for future development of Sunshine Group Home.

     Mark Franklyn Merchant, the son of Frank and Lois (Sandy) Merchant was born October 19, 1958 in Waterloo, IA. His childhood years were spent in the Waterloo, IA, and Freeport, IL, until moving to  Spencer, IA in 1965 where  he attended Spencer schools.

     Mark fought a courageous battle with Juvenile Diabetes. After a medical event, he became one of the first resident of Sunshine Group Home where he spent his adult life. He was very proud of his work at Sunshine Center in Spencer.

     Mark enjoyed playing cards, Iowa Hawkeyes, working, going to casinos, music concerts, Clay Co. Fair, spending time with family, especially his nieces and nephews, and will always be remembered for his sense of humor and love of music.

     Mark passed away on Friday, June 9, 2023 at Sunshine Group Home in Spencer, at the age of 64. He was preceded in death by his mother Lois and a brother, Jerry.

     Left to cherish his memory are his father, Frank of Spencer, IA; a brother, Scott (Angela) Merchant of Spencer, IA; sister-in-law, Michelle Allen of Rockford, IL; an aunt Lila Parks of Freeport, IL; 7 nieces, Dani Doran, Kara (Sean) Bartholomew, April Johnson, Kirsten (Dillon) Schulz, Kinley Merchant, Jerra Merchant, and Brynn Merchant; one nephew, Jackson Merchant; 4 great-nephews, Hunter, Sawyer, Griffin, and Macklyn; other relatives; and many friends.