Merton Wilbert Church, III, age 73, of Farmington, passed away Thursday, July 6, 2023.

Mert was born January 21, 1950, in Detroit, the son of Merton Wilbert Church, Jr. and Mary Margaret Scott.   He married Beverly Jean Shoener on September 2, 1989.

Mert is the beloved husband of 33 years to Beverly; loving father of Brian (Ali Pavlicek), Kyle (Hilary) and Dee; dear brother of Barbara Church, Cath (Lee) Junge, and Arthur (Xiu) Church.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Merton W. Church, Jr., and Mary Scott Breiling.

Mert grew up in Trenton, Michigan, and graduated from Trenton High School. He received an undergraduate degree in Psychology from Wayne State University and a master's degree in Experimental Psychology from the University of Oregon.

After graduating, he returned to Michigan and got a job teaching at Pontiac Business Institute. He taught a variety of classes, including psychology, computer programming and medical terminology. He had a keen interest in computer technology and ended up turning those skills into a job as a full-time programmer for the school.

He later was hired by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan as a programmer and worked there for 25 years, retiring in 2013. After retiring, Mert enjoyed traveling, volunteering in the community, and spending time with family and friends. He was often described as a gentle giant, a tall, intelligent, and quiet man who was kind and generous.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 5, 2023, at 11:30 a.m. at the Universalist Unitarian Church of Farmington.

Memorial tributes are suggested to Freedom House Detroit or Forgotten Harvest .

Please keep the Church family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.