Gerald E. “Jerry” Merchant

Gerald E. “Jerry” Merchant, 60, of Merchant Lane, Karns City, a well-known Petroleum Valley resident and retired Karns City businessman, passed away Wednesday afternoon at Halifax Hospital in Daytona Beach, Fla.

Jerry was born Nov. 30, 1957, in Butler. He was the son of the late George F. and Dorothy Ace Merchant.

He was a graduate of Karns City High School.

He was an avid NASCAR fan, and he and his wife looked forward to spending time in Daytona Beach. Jerry most especially enjoyed the company of his grandkids, who were his pride and joy.

He was a well-known and skilled mechanic and owned and operated Merchant's Auto and Towing on Route 268 in Karns City for nearly 20 years.

He is survived by his wife, Angela L. “Angie” Lowers Merchant, whom he married May 8, 1982, in Fairview. Also surviving are two daughters, Denise M. Crawford and her husband, Michael, of Harrisville, and Tammy L. Larimore and her husband, Toby, of Karns City; seven grandchildren, Aaron J. Welker, Dakota G. Crawford, Mackenzie Crawford, Heather Thompson, and Chloe, Carly and Landon Larimore; his mother-in-law, Marlene Lowers of Chicora; a sister-in-law, Judy Merchant of Petrolia; as well as a number of brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends in Pennsylvania and Florida.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, George F. Merchant III; a sister, Nancy L. Merchant; and his father-in-law, Donald “Mac” Lowers.

MERCHANT — Friends of Gerald E. “Jerry” Merchant, who died Wednesday, March 14, 2018, will be received from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Hile Funeral Home of Karns City, 128 Main St., Karns City.Memorial contributions may be made to Hile Funeral Home, P.O. Box 262, Karns City, PA 16041.For additional information or to send a condolence, please visit www.hilefh.com.