John's Story

John Carroll Merchant passed away on Thursday, June 19, 2003 with his family by his side at MD Anderson Hospital in Houston, Texas after a courageous battle with brain cancer. He touched many people’s lives by his vivacious presence, John will be remembered for his love of life and most of all, the love he had for his family and friends. John was born August 15, 1938 in Charles City, Iowa to Wilma and (the late) Carroll Merchant. John is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Jean; his children Michelle and Ron Richburg, Suzanne and Brian Nickel,

John C. Merchant

Pat and Kelli Merchant, and Brian and Stacey Merchant; sister Cecelia Lutz, brothers Bruce, Michael, and James Merchant, plus numerous sisters-in-laws, brothers-in-laws, cousins, nieces and nephews. Hardest of all for him to leave were his beloved grandchildren, Reagan, Bridget, Nicole, Kayla, Luke, Weston and William.  John went to be with the Lord before the birth of his eighth grandchild, Audrey.

He graduated from Notre Dame University in 1960, with a B.A. in Marketing. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1960 – 1965. He was President/Owner of MJM Marketing of Houston, retiring in 1997, to enjoy numerous traveling adventures around the world with his wife and friends. John was very involved with his career affiliations and his children’s sporting events. He was an active member of the Catholic Church, The Rotary Club of Houston, Child Builders of Houston, Notre Dame Alumni Association of Houston, Bermuda Beach Board Member, Galveston Historical Foundation, the Galveston Country Club, the Pachyderm Club, and a charter member of the Palapa Beach Social Club.

A private Mass was held for the family at John and Jean’s home prior to his funeral. Father Joe Doyle shared a wonderful story for reflection. “There was a classroom full of elementary age children who were to bring an item in for show and tell that day. Children brought in their prize possessions – everything from a prize won at the local state fair to a signed baseball. One boy, who was known not to have many things, brought in an empty box. The teacher asked quite inquisitively, “what is special about this empty box, son?” To which, the young boy responded, “don’t you know the tomb was empty too when they removed the stone?”

Father Joe Doyle presided over the Memorial Mass celebrating John’s life at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Galveston, Texas.