John “J.R.” Merchant was born on February 28, 1926, to Raymond and Alma Zahn Merchant in Haskell, Texas. In World War II he served as Sergeant in Troop E 5th Cavalry, and was honorably discharged in 1946. He worked for Getty Oil as gas plant superintendent. John was a member of Calvary Baptist.Survivors include his children, Belinda Kay Hickman and husband, Bill, Gary Dale Merchant and wife, Mary Alice, and Jonna Rae Dickerson and husband, and Wayne; brother, Herbert "Cleo" Merchant and wife, Jean; 14 grandchildren, and 39 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, Raymond Dale and Alma Margaret Merchant; brother, Luther Dale Merchant.John Ray Merchant passed away Monday, October 3, 2016.In lieu of flowers, please contribute to the charity of your choice.

John “J.R.” Merchant was born on February 28, 1926, to Raymond and Alma Zahn Merchant in Haskell, Texas. In World War II he served as Sergeant in Troop E 5th Cavalry, and was honorably discharged in 1946. He worked for Getty Oil as gas plant superintendent. John was a member of Calvary Baptist.Survivors include his children, Belinda Kay Hickman and husband, Bill, Gary Dale Merchant and wife, Mary Alice, and Jonna Rae Dickerson and husband, and Wayne; brother, Herbert "Cleo" Merchant and wife, Jean; 14 grandchildren, and 39 great-grandchildren.He is preceded in death by his parents, Raymond Dale and Alma Margaret Merchant; brother, Luther Dale Merchant.John Ray Merchant passed away Monday, October 3, 2016.In lieu of flowers, please contribute to the charity of your choice.