Overview
Merrill Womach (February 7, 1927 – December 28, 2014) was an American undertaker, organist and gospel singer who combined ministry, music and business in a career that reached thousands of funeral homes. Born and deceased in Spokane, Washington, he became widely known both for his recordings of sacred music and for founding a service that supplied recorded music to funeral directors across the United States.
Career and National Music Service
Womach worked in the funeral industry and also played organ and sang sacred repertoire. In order to help funeral homes present appropriate music when live musicians were unavailable, he established the National Music Service, a company that distributed recorded selections tailored for use at memorial services. That organization later operated under the name Global Distribution Network, Inc., and helped standardize access to hymns, instrumental pieces and other liturgical music in many communities.
Plane crash, injuries, and perseverance
Womach survived a small plane crash near Beaver Marsh, Oregon which caused severe injuries and third-degree burns to his hands and head, leaving his appearance dramatically altered. Despite the trauma and lasting effects of those injuries he continued to sing, record, and run his business, demonstrating persistence in public ministry and entrepreneurship after a near-fatal accident.
Music, recordings and influence
As a gospel singer and organist Womach made numerous recordings of sacred songs and devotional music. His albums were used both by congregations and by funeral directors who needed dignified, recognizable hymns and instrumental tracks. Through his dual roles as a musician and a service provider to the funeral trade, he influenced the way recorded music was integrated into American memorial practices.
Notable facts and legacy
- Founder of the National Music Service (later Global Distribution Network, Inc.).
- Worked professionally as an undertaker and as an organist and vocalist.
- Survived a disfiguring plane crash near Beaver Marsh, Oregon and continued public work afterward.
- Supplied recorded music to funeral homes nationwide and recorded many sacred selections used in memorial settings.
Womach remained associated with his hometown and passed away in his sleep on December 28, 2014, in Spokane, Washington. He is remembered for the unusual combination of trades he practiced and for making recorded music more available to funeral professionals and bereaved families. For more context on his musical output and public life, see resources on gospel music and funeral-music services (gospel and sacred music).