Michael Hebson Merchant

Mike Merchant was born on March 23, 1937 in Ferris, TX to Cecil and Lillian Merchant. His early years were spent in Wichita Falls and Grand Prairie, TX. In 1965 he met the woman who would be his loving and dedicated wife of fifty years, Virginia Stapleton of Mobile, AL.

Work as a mechanic came natural to Mike. He was employed in Dallas before stepping out on his own and opening a business in Canton in 1985, Merchant Motor Company.

If anyone knew Mike well, they understood his knack for making things work. The man could tinker. Taking it a step further, Mike turned his passion for antique scooters into a business, Gray Beard Cycles. He specialized in restoration of American made Cushman and Mustang Motor Scooters.

The music of Bob Wills, Harley Motor Cycles, bike and scooter rides, spending time with his family and friends and incorporating as many of those into his day was the ultimate. Frequently sharing his love for cycles and scooters, he could often be found with his projects at shows across the state. His handiwork caught the eye of others, hence his being featured on Texas Country Reporter and in Street Rod magazine. Always willing to lend a hand to someone wanting to restore something back to its original quality, Mike was a giver. Mike would hope that you would help another in some unsolicited or unexpected manner in his honor... especially if engine related.

Mike is survived by his wife Virginia Merchant, daughter Pam Merchant Praytor (Dwayne) of Lindale, TX, daughter Valarie Merchant Kerby (Tim) of McKinney, TX, son Derek Merchant (Becky) of Cross Roads, TX, daughter Andrea Merchant Haywood (Glenn) of Griffin, GA, and a very special son, James Chitty of Canton, TX along with a multitude of loving grand and great grandchildren.

Mike especially loved his dogs and always had at least two or three four-legged friends nearby. Holding to his tradition of helping others with their projects and his love for animals, the Merchant family asks that donations be made in lieu of flowers to CLAW, P.O. Box 862, Canton, TX 75103.

Visitation is at 10:00 AM Tuesday April 14, 2015, with service following immediately at 11:00 AM at Eubank Funeral Home in Canton, Texas.