Leo Philip Merchant

Leo P. Merchant, 78, passed away on Thursday, May 17, 2012. Graveside services will be 2:00p.m., today, Saturday, May 19, 2012 in Elmwood Memorial Park under the direction of Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home, 542 Hickory St.

Leo was born in Winchester, N.H. to Giffard George and Vivian Blood Merchant on July 2, 1933.

He graduated high school and joined the U.S. Air Force on January 28, 1952. While in the Air Force, Leo met Pat Doggett, the love of his life, and they were married on December 31, 1957 in Las Vegas. They were married for 54 wonderful years.

During his career in the Air Force, he was a flight engineer and retired in February of 1972. He then worked for and retired from WTU as a substation tech. After retirement, he did volunteer work for the Abilene Police Department and with RSVP. He also transported cars for local dealerships and did trades.

Leo loved working with his hands and could fix everything. He loved watching movies and traveling with his wife on Bilbrey tours. He was also a life member of VFW 2012.

Special thanks to Hospice of the Big Country and Northern Oaks Living & Rehab Center.

Preceding him in death were his parents; one brother and two sisters.

Survivors include his wife, Pat Merchant of Abilene; his son, Ken Merchant and wife, Mitzi of Abilene; daughter Kathy Bowles and husband, Shelley of Abilene; brother Giffard Merchant and wife, Bobbie of Sheridon, WY; grandchildren, Phillip Bowles of Tulsa, OK, Courtney Mitchell and husband, Brent and Avery Mitchell of Abilene; two nieces; and one nephew.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society; Hospice of the Big Country; or Meals on Wheels.