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Eddie Merchant
EDDIE MERCHANT
Vinton
We lost our only brother, Eddie Merchant, 64, Monday, Aug. 2, 2021, in Cedar Rapids.
Born Edward J. Merchanton Sept. 23, 1956, in La Porte City, Iowa, to Jerry and Arlene Kosnar Merchant. He grew up in Vinton, was a 1975 graduate of Washington High School, and a 1980 graduate of Parks College in Cahokia, Ill. Eddie inherited his love of airplanes and flying from our Dad and spent his career as a pilot, aerobatic pilot and flight instructor. He wowed people all over the U.S. with his aerial maneuvers as part of an aerobatic team and could be seen often piloting one of Dad's homebuilt bi-planes. He was a gifted pilot, won numerous awards and ate, drank and slept airplanes.
Sometimes we sisters were with odds with Eddie and often spoke of trading him in for another sister. But, over the last several years especially, we realized how close we were, how lucky we were and today we are saddened to say goodbye.
We sisters survive him: Pat (Larry) Dawson of Marion, Penny (Scott) Olson of Cedar Rapids and Paula (Ron) Olsen of Aurora, Colo.; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents. We will gather privately to celebrate Eddie.
Van Steenhuyse-Teahen Funeral Home in Vinton is caring for Eddie and his family. Condolences maybe left at www.vsrfh.com.
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