He was a self-employed logger and pulpwood hauler for 18 years. He then became a Forester with the Arkansas Forestry Commission and was a timber buyer for Baylee Timber Co. for 3 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 4 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 who 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 a great-granddaughter, Sydney Allyssa (Matthew Smith) Reed of Hampton, and two great-grandsons Christopher Reed and Blake Hendrix, three great-great-granddaughters. Mackenzie, whom 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.
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.
Funeral service will be Wednesday, November 15, 2023, at Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Chapel with Rev. Mike Griffith and Rev. Joe Chambers officiating. There will be a visitation Tuesday evening from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Tuesday evening at the funeral home. Burial will be in Rash Cemetery. Memorials may be sent to Rash Cemetery, c/o Glenda Merchant, 205 S. Cominto Rd., Monticello, AR 71655. You can sign Mr. Kenneth's guestbook page on this website.
Condolences(12)
Marchell Leonard - Drew Central Class of 1987
Selma, AR Tuesday, November 21, 2023 Rusty,We are thinking about you and your family at this difficult time. Cherish all the memories. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Drew Central Class of 1987
Debbie Walls
Monticello, AR Tuesday, November 14, 2023 I am so sorry to hear bout Mr Kenneth. Once he found out we might be related every time he came in the Revenue office he said " Hey Cuz". I will miss chatting with him about our past relatives. I'm so sorry for the families loss.Cecile Bordeaux Smithson
Monticello, AR Tuesday, November 14, 2023 Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. Losing a loved one is tough. He was a super nice man. Praying for peace and acceptance. Cherish all the memories.Kay Worbington
Monticello, AR Tuesday, November 14, 2023 Mr. Kenneth's family & friends have my condolences for your great loss. He did so much good over his life time. I consider him a Drew County icon. May God comfort your as you adjust your life without him.Jimmy & Donna Hill
MONTICELLO, AR Tuesday, November 14, 2023 Family - you are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. We are rejoicing because we know we will see Kenneth again but we are so sad to have to navigate the world without him here with us. He was a very special man and we loved him and will miss him.Love,
Jimmy and Donna
John and Paige (Hill) Stell
MONTICELLO, AR Tuesday, November 14, 2023 Family - You are all in our thoughts and prayers during the days ahead. Mr. Kenneth was a very special person to me and I have been so blessed to have him in my life. I enjoyed our talks and his stubbornness. He was definitely a jewel inside and out. He had the best smile and kept a twinkle in his eyes. When he loved you he loved you wholeheartedly. I will miss him and his hugs.Love and prayers,
John, Paige, Jayson, Colt, Brayden, Brad, Jake, Bethany, Jared, Marlee, and Frazier
Mike and Rhonda Gorman
Hensley, AR Monday, November 13, 2023 Mr. Kenneth was such a wonderful man and he will be missed by many. Prayers for his family and friends.shelia Ratledge
monticello, AR Monday, November 13, 2023 Sweet Family we are so sorry for your loss. Mr. Kenneth was a wonderful man great friend and a part of my life that I will always cherish . as a kid it was a joy to go visit mr.kenneth and mrs.sue as an adult it was an honor to count him them as friends and visit . my heart is sadden and broken from his loss but rejoicing at his gain ,just knowing that Mr.Kenneth gained what we as Christians all strive for the ultimate goal , Seeing Jesus Christ face to face , standing at his feet praising his sweet name . being reunited with the love of his life. and all the family and friends who have went on before. Love yall Shelia, Danny and EliVernon Barnett
Benton, AR Monday, November 13, 2023 You will be truly missed Mr. Kenneth! See You in Heaven one day!Linda Bolding
Rogers, AR Monday, November 13, 2023 Pam, I am thinking of you and your whole family at this difficult time. You are in my heart and my prayers are with you all.🙏🙏🙏Gail Henry Hammil
Star City, AR Monday, November 13, 2023 I'm so sorry for your loss, prayers and thoughts for Kenneth's family. Sorry I can't be there. I'm obligated at the church Tues. night and doctor appt in LR on Wed. morning so I can't be there but will be thinking about ya'll. May GOD comfort and give you peace. Love in Christ, GailDale Pace
Monticello, AR Monday, November 13, 2023 I always enjoyed visiting with Mr. Kenneth every time he saw us. I always felt that I learned something new just listening to how he used to fight wildfires when he worked for the Forestry Commission. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.Dale E. Pace, District Forester