Sidney Merchant

Sid Merchant Sidney "Sid" Clement Merchant was born in Happy, Texas August 13, 1933 to Max and Mary (Moulder) Merchant and passed away April 12, 2009 in Guthrie, Oklahoma. He had one sister, June Merchant Fookes. Sid graduated from Happy High School then enlisted in the United States Navy as a gunners mate aboard the USS Stickell. Sid Merchant began his law enforcement career with the Midland Police Department before joining the Texas Department of Public Safety as a State Trooper. Sid was first assigned to West Texas before being promoted to Texas Ranger in 1965. Sid was the Texas Ranger assigned to Abilene, Texas where he served the State Of Texas proudly until his retirement in 1988. Sid and Sandy Merchant were married August 8, 1963 beginning their married life in Odessa, Texas, then moved to Abilene and settled in Potosi, Texas where they lived for 25 years. Sandy talked the old Texas Ranger into moving out of the State of Texas to Guthrie, Oklahoma so they could live closer to their precious grandchildren. They were married for 45 years until he was preceded in death by the love of his life, Sandy Merchant. They had two daughters to whom they dedicated their lives, Rebecca and Renee. Survivors include his daughters Rebecca Halvorson and her husband Wayne Halvorson, their three children Lauren, Austin and Calyn Halvorson; they were all very blessed to live right next door to their grandparents for 10 years in Guthrie, OK. Renee Merchant, who also moved to Guthrie to be closer to her parents and fiancee Todd Johnson and his two children Emily and Kyle Johnson. Brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Pierce and Emily Key of College Station, TX, niece Kelli Webb and husband, Alex Webb of Bedford, TX and nephew Kody Key of College Station, TX; nephew, Bradley Fookes of Washington; nieces, Beverly Duvall and husband, Everett of California and Elizabeth Young and husband, Lance of California; brother-in-law Dan Fookes and his wife Mary and mother-in-law, Ruth Key as well as many cousins and extended family. Sid had many, many life long friends from his career as a Texas Ranger all who meant so very much to him. Visitation will be from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm Saturday, April 18, 2009 at Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Rd. Abilene, TX 79606. Services will be 3:00 pm Sunday, April 19, 2009 at Beltway Park Baptist Church, 4009 Beltway South, Abilene, TX 79606. Burial will follow at Potosi Cemetery in Potosi, TX. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: Former Texas Rangers Foundation P.O. Box 290229 Kerrville, TX 78029 Pallbearers: Ronnie "Digger" Brown, Calvin Cox, Ben McHand, Al Mitchell, Carl Rickert and Johnny Kounce. Honorary Pallbearers: Jack Willingham, Clifford Tienert, Curt Hayes, Dan Dankworth, Norman Autrey, Bob Favor, Jim Dodson, William "Dub" Harrison, Roy McAdams, Kenneth Reeves, Larry Guy and Company E Texas Rangers.