of Pine Grove Twp., died Wednesday, November 4, 2015 at the Life Care Center in Plainwell. Mr. Ransom was born January 28, 1934, in Hillsdale, the son of Rolland and Mable (Smith) Ransom. Merlin graduated from Hillsdale High School, Class of 1951, and earned his Bachelor's Degree from Western Michigan University. He was a member of the Gobles United Methodist Church. Merlin and his 2 business partners: Jerry Blakley and Reed Curtis, owned and operated Major Wholesale in Cooper, for over 45 years, they expanded over the years to include Auto Equipment and Retail Auto Parts, and owned several stores together. He was one of the original members of the Gobles Driftbusters Snowmobile Club, his other passions were fishing and his love for his grandchildren. Surviving are his wife, Pat; his 4 son's: Steven and Judy, Mark and Chris, Phillip and Carolyn, Paul and Mary; 11 grandchildren: Keith and (Christine), David, Travis and (Kristin), Matthew, Lindsey and (Jim), Stephanie, Justin, Tyler, Kyler, Jordan, and Ben; his brother, Carter and Dorothy Ransom; many nieces and nephews. Friends may meet with the family on Monday, November 9, 2015, from 4-7 pm, at the Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday at 11 am at the Gobles United Methodist Church, Pastor Dan Miner will officiate. Interment in Earl Cemetery, Pine Grove Twp. Memorials may be made to the Parkinson's Assoc. of West Michigan, 260 Jefferson Ave. SE, Suite 210, Grand Rapids, MI 49503