Service Saturday for Don Merchant

Donald Joe Merchant, 76, of Shawnee, succumbed to a lengthy illness on August 17. He was born May 6, 1943, to Lois and Hershel Merchant, in Holdenville, Oklahoma.

He attended Holden-ville schools, and went on to study at East Central University and Seminole Junior College. He married Judith Lynn Hurley in 1964, and together they adopted two infants, Mark and Tara. Though divorced in 1977, Don and Lynn reunited as friends as the years passed.

In 1986, Don married the love of his life, Sandra. It was quite the adventure.  

Having previously worked for OG&E, and Rockwell Drilling, Don is best remembered as the good-natured salesman at S&S Farm Center, where he worked for over 30 years. He took pride in his knowledge of the products sold, and in providing friendly customer service. The high-point of his workday was when he could pull a practical joke on one of his coworkers. He could make them believe some very tall tales.

Don is survived by his wife, Sandra; son Mark McEvers (Keitha), Oklahoma City; daughter Tara McEvers, Edmond; sisters Shirley Harkey, Holdenville,  and Lynda Landes (Don), Oklahoma City, and; the joy of his life, his grandchildren Evelyn Ruth, Katie, Kaisy, Dillion, Kierra, Miranda, Casady and Courtny. Also surviving him are several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, infant sister Doris, eldest sister Wanda Hardin, infant niece Angela, and great-nephew Christian.

Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 24, at 2 pm, at First Christian Church (DOC), 1625 N. Broadway, Shawnee.

The family requests no flowers. Please honor Don’s memory with a donation to either 

Oklahoma Heart Hospital Research Foundation

4200 W. Memorial Road, Ste 510

Oklahoma City, OK 73120

Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

Autism Speaks