Michael Anthony ‘KB3-QIH’ Merchant, 22

Amateur radio operator KB3-QIH, Michael Anthony Merchant, 22, of Millsboro, Del., signed off his final radio call on Thursday, April 5, 2012, after succumbing to injuries sustained in an automobile accident.

Born Aug. 11, 1989, in Dover, he was the son of Wilson Merchant and Jody Ray Howell. He was known as an animated, vibrant young man with a heart of gold and a golden smile. Merchant was active in amateur radio emergency communications. He was dedicated to his family, called his grandmother every single day and was always there for his family. He loved video games, fishing and vacationing in Wildwood, N.J.

Merchant was preceded in death by his paternal great-grandparents, Alice and Gordon Edwards; maternal grandfather, Robert Ray Sr.; and a sister, Ashlee Merchant. Merchant is survived by his true love, his fiancée, Mandy Jacobs; his parents, Wilson Merchant and his wife, Ruth, of Oak Orchard, Del., and Jody Ray Howell, and her husband, John, of Millsboro; two sisters, Amber Daisey of Millsboro and Sandra Merchant of Oak Orchard; his maternal grandmother, Joanne Ray; his paternal grandparents, Paul and Shirley Bergeron; his maternal great-grandmother, Mary Casalvera of Hockessin, Del.; and many extended family members, friends and his fire-company friends. He is also survived by best buds Brian Taylor and Vaughn Wise, and canine friends Max and Pepper.

A funeral service and celebration of Merchant’s life was scheduled for April 10, 2012, at Oak Orchard Community Church, with arrangements by Watson Funeral Home and interment at Millsboro Cemetery, both in Millsboro, Del. In lieu of flowers, the family is seeking assistance with offsetting medical and funeral expenses. Contributions may be sent c/o: Oak Orchard Community Church; 32615 Oak Orchard Rd.; Millsboro, DE 19966.