Thomas "Tommy" C. Merchant was born in Lansing, on Feb 15, 1935 and has lived in Lansing, MI for all his life. Tommy was a loving husband to his wife of 37 years, Joyce A. Merchant, caring for her throughout a lengthy illness.

Tommy proudly served others all his life, serving our country as a former soldier and the citizens of Lansing as a firefighter for 25 years. In his career, he worked at various stations across the city, earning several promotions moving from Engineer to Lieutenant and ultimately Captain in the Lansing Fire Department. After leaving the fire department, he became a fire inspector in the State Prison System for 8 years, leaving that role to care for his wife, Joyce.

Tommy was a lifelong member of the NAACP, served on the Veteran's Affairs Committee of Lansing and helped establish the first Black Firefighter's Association Board. He was also a lifelong member of Capitol Lodge #8.

Although he was small in stature, his voice boomed and his presence was large as illustrated by his tireless advocacy for minority rights, the incarcerated, along with mentoring and coaching youth.

Tommy loved spending time with his family and friends. Tommy and Joyce loved to host barbecues and entertain over the holidays. He had a flair for being "dapper" in his attire and loved to step-out with mom. He also loved traveling, playing golf, watching sports, attending jazz concerts, and playing with his dog Hunter. He enjoyed taking trips to the casino and visiting family all over with his son Clayton, who cared for him devotedly in his final years.

Tommy will be deeply missed. He is survived by: sons, Clayton Merchant and Wayne Gibson; daughter, Katherine Rosechild; granddaughters, Olivia, Josie, Rose, Jesse, Destiny and Angela; grandsons, Chris and Mike; and sister, Barbara Lott. He also leaves behind a host of great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends, notably his lifelong friend, Fred Porter.

Tommy is preceded in death by: his beloved wife, Joyce Merchant; his son, Michael Gibson; parents, Pearl and Margret Merchant; sisters, Donna Barber, Harriet Billups; and brothers, Maynard, Pearl, and James Merchant.

Arrangements for Mr. Merchant are as follows:

COVID has impacted many from traveling and limits attendance. You may also join us via the internet as we livestream the event by clicking on the link below .

Thomas Clayton Merchant Online Service at 1p.m. ET

Join early - live streaming starts at 12:30p.m. ET

https://youtu.be/nNpoBNnA57E