Merrill H. "Gus" Armstrong

Merrill H. "Gus" Armstrong, of Port St. Lucie, FL, died October 22, 2021 surrounded by his loving family at his northern Michigan home. Gus lost a battle to cancer, but won so many endearing friendships throughout the world, with his warm, caring spirit. Gus attended Western Michigan University and later graduated from Alma College with his bachelors in business administration. On a weekend return home to Three Rivers, MI, he met the love of his life, Barbara Grover, who became his wife in 1956. Gus & Barbara raised three children and traveled the world making friends everywhere they went. After losing Barbara to cancer, Gus met Sharon Smith of Leawood, Kansas and had a second chance at love, marrying Sharon in 2001. Sharon and Gus enjoyed retirement together in Florida, Michigan, Alaska and Hawaii. Gus joined Armstrong Machine Works of Three Rivers, MI in 1956 – the industrial steam equipment company his grandfather founded in 1900. Not content with the company's stellar reputation as a Midwest manufacturer, Gus became President and led its path to national and international prominence. He brought Armstrong to Europe in 1969, building a manufacturing facility for industrial humidification in Liege, Belgium. Gus renamed the company Armstrong International, Inc. to reflect its global presence and supported 4th generation family members in their broader entrance to Asia in the early nineties, where today the company has operations in China, India, Korea and a joint venture in Japan. Gus is survived by wife Sharon, daughter Tamara Bloss (Doug), son Patrick (Nicole) and daughter in law Yvonne Armstrong. Eight grandsons – Chad, Kurt (Mandy) Armstrong – Ryan (Jamie), Matthew (Melissa), Troy (Katie) Bloss – Brian, Brandon and Cole Armstrong. Sisters Mary Overholt and Barbara Kravchenko. Gus was predeceased by his wife Barbara, son David and his parents, Lawrence and Donis Armstrong. Visitation will be held at: Hohner Funeral Home 1004 Arnold Street Three Rivers, MI 49093 Wednesday, November 17 – 3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Thursday, November 18 – 3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. A church service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, November 19 (masks required). Amidst global travel restrictions and domestic COVID concerns, information about how to view the memorial service virtually will be posted closer to the date under "Service Details" at www.hohnerfh.com/merrill-h-gus-armstrong. First Presbyterian Church 320 N. Main Street Three Rivers, MI 49093 In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Armstrong Family Foundation. The Armstrong Foundation Attention: Joanne Carrara 1002 SE Monterey Commons Blvd. Stuart, FL 34996 OR Leukemia And Lymphoma Society https://pages.lls.org/tnt/pb/tnthld23/kbutler