A FARMER'S son who went on to build up a chain of Mercedes-Benz dealerships has died at the age of 72.

Don Marshall founded Derby-based Mertrux in 1971 and it is now the oldest Mercedes-Benz commercial dealership in the UK. Over the years, he expanded the business, selling trucks, vans and cars from sites across the East Midlands.

Mr Marshall, who died after a long illness, never forgot his farming roots and owned a herd of prize-winning cattle.

He also built up an eclectic collection of classic trucks.

His son, Ian Marshall, who took over from his father as Mertrux managing director in 2005, said: "If my father taught me one thing, it is that this is a people business, always has been and always will be.

"That's why he ascribed such importance not only to the quality of the relationships we have with our customers but also to the quality of the people we employ.

"He was a much-loved father, grandfather and employer and will be sorely missed."

His children went on to work there. Daughter Sarah is company secretary and youngest son Matthew is a director. His other daughter, Judith, has also worked for the company.

The oldest of his 10 grandchildren, Lucie and Chloe, both aged 19, recently started work there as well.

Mr Marshall came from an agricultural background and had a lifelong interest in trucks and machinery.

He began his motor trade career in 1963, landing a job two years later selling Dodge and Commer tractors for Burton-upon-Trent dealer Bert Deacon. In 1971, shortly before founding Mertrux, he became truck sales manager for the firm.

In 1981, Mr Marshall began selling passenger cars alongside trucks and vans, prompting Mertrux to move to bigger premises in Chequers Road.

Mr Marshall also owned Mertrux dealerships in Leicester, Nottingham and Mansfield.

A spokesman for Mercedes-Benz said: "He was immensely proud of the company he built and of its remarkably loyal workforce.

"Of the 148 sales, service and parts specialists, and administrative staff employed across its four locations, no fewer than 20 individuals have been with Mertrux for 20 years."

Mr Marshall kept 60 pedigree Charolais cattle on a farm in Scropton, where he lived with wife Hazel. He bred the cattle and won prizes at the national Royal Show.

His family has requested donations in his memory to St Giles' Hospice, in Lichfield. For more information, visit www.stgileshospice.com.