Obituary for The Rev. Douglas H. Merchant
The Rev. Douglas H. Merchant left this worldly earth on November 5, 2020. Doug was born in Ilion, NY to Martin Luther Victor Merchant and Gladys Eldredge Merchant on August 17, 1940, the youngest of seven children. Doug was a proud graduate of Ilion High School, Utica College, and Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School. Doug began his ministry at age 19, while a student at Utica College, with Calvary Baptist Church in Utica, serving as a lay pastor during a time of transition between pastors. He continued as a lay pastor while working as a medical social worker until his graduation from divinity school and subsequent ordination in the American Baptist Church. He served parishes in Clifton, Mumford, Albany, Weedsport, Cazenovia, Camillus, and Baldwinsville, retiring from Hillview Community Baptist Church in 2004. In retirement Doug continued his ministry by serving as an interim minister and a supply preacher until physical limitations made that impossible. His ministry brought him great joy as he loved to preach, teach, and especially work with the youth of the parish. For many years he spent a week every summer at Pathfinder Lodge on Otsego Lake directing a camp for senior high students. He encouraged others to find their own spiritual path and saw his role as a guide on their spiritual journey. He thoroughly enjoyed teaching adults in the lay studies program of the American Baptist Church.
Doug will be remembered for his intellectual knowledge and curiosity, his passion for the environment and all of creation, his kindness and caring, his love of music and wonderful singing voice, and most of all, his love of puns and silly humor. Herbert the Pet Bear, Miss Prunley, and “the man with the hat” will live on in family memory.
He is survived by his wife, Susanne; daughters, Bethany Hase (Scott), Mellissa Lorton (Wade Gaynor); his son, Arthur Lorton (Stacey); stepdaughters, Sarah Hobel (Daniel), Rebecca Spencer (Chip); brother-in-law, Angus Saunders (Maureen); fourteen grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Per Doug’s wishes a memorial service will be held at a later date when we can joyously gather to celebrate his life.
Donations in his memory can be made to the Environmental Defense Fund at www.edf.org/honor or the American Baptist Churches of New York State (ABCNYS) 3218 James Street, Syracuse, NY 13206.
Doug will be remembered for his intellectual knowledge and curiosity, his passion for the environment and all of creation, his kindness and caring, his love of music and wonderful singing voice, and most of all, his love of puns and silly humor. Herbert the Pet Bear, Miss Prunley, and “the man with the hat” will live on in family memory.
He is survived by his wife, Susanne; daughters, Bethany Hase (Scott), Mellissa Lorton (Wade Gaynor); his son, Arthur Lorton (Stacey); stepdaughters, Sarah Hobel (Daniel), Rebecca Spencer (Chip); brother-in-law, Angus Saunders (Maureen); fourteen grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Per Doug’s wishes a memorial service will be held at a later date when we can joyously gather to celebrate his life.
Donations in his memory can be made to the Environmental Defense Fund at www.edf.org/honor or the American Baptist Churches of New York State (ABCNYS) 3218 James Street, Syracuse, NY 13206.