Michael Henry Merens

Michael Henry Merens, beloved husband, father, brother, and longtime Texas business owner, passed away on September 16, 2026. Born in Chicago on October 3, 1946, to Melvin and Ida Jane Merens, he grew up in Glencoe on Chicago’s North Shore. Michael attended Tulane University before graduating from Lake Forest College with a B.A. in Economics.

He married Nancy Horton in 1973. The two shared a love of tennis and enjoyed playing mixed doubles. After attending a tennis camp in the Austin area, they decided in 1976 to make Texas their home. Michael began working for Radio Shack in Austin, and his career took him to several Texas cities before he and Nancy settled in the Houston area, where they raised their children.

In 1990, Michael purchased his first Subway franchise. He went on to build two more Subway locations over the next 30 years, combining his entrepreneurial spirit with a strong commitment to his customers and employees. Then in 2011, Michael and Nancy semi-retired to Sun City, outside Austin, where he enjoyed several years of golf and became a familiar presence on the course, leading the divot team every Monday evening on the 17th hole, just outside the back windows of their home.

Devoted to sports, his lifelong favorites were the Chicago Cubs and Bears. After moving to Texas, he also became an enthusiastic Houston Texans fan and huge supporter of the University of Texas Longhorns. Travel was another important part of Michael and Nancy’s life together. Over the last 25 years, they traveled throughout Europe and Asia, visited all 50 states, and took more than 40 cruises. These travels gave them countless opportunities to explore the world together and make memories with family and friends.

Michael lived a full and active life. He is survived by his wife Nancy, daughter Melissa, son Robert and his wife Hayley, sister Kathy Stafford and her husband Wade, and nephew Chris Riemer. He will be remembered with love by his family, friends, and all those who knew him.

A Celebration of Life will be held at The Oaks at Legacy Hills, 301 Del Webb Blvd, Georgetown Texas, 78633, on Sunday October 18th from 1-3pm.