Memorial services for Joe Merchant, 79 year-old Weatherford, Oklahoma resident, will be held Friday, October 11, 2013 at 2:00 P.M. at First Baptist Church with Earl Stephenson officiating, under the direction of Lockstone Funeral Home.

Joe was born November 22, 1933 in Rocky, Oklahoma to Harvey and Mary (Page) Merchant and passed away Monday, October 7, 2013 at Integris Baptist Hospital in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Joe was raised and attended school in Rocky, Oklahoma and graduated from Rocky High School in 1951. He earned his accounting degree from Southwestern State College in 1956. On August 25, 1956, he married Francie Bergman in Weatherford. He served in the National Guard and later in the Army on active duty overseas. Joe served on the City Council since April 29, 1980, starting his 12th term and as Vice-Mayor since April 30, 1987. He served as a Deacon and Treasurer with First Baptist Church since 1979 and on the Oklahoma Baptist General Foundation Board, Weatherford Environmental Advisory Committee and the Downtown Revitalization Committee. Joe was currently a partner with Hart/Merchant Accounting firm. He enjoyed fishing, golf, and walking his dog, Dolly. Memorials may be made to the Agape Clinic.

Joe is survived by his wife of 57 years, Francie Merchant of their home in Weatherford, Oklahoma; a daughter, Winnie Whitetail-Mendival and husband, Spencer with their children, Christina Mendival, Irene Mendival, and Carlos Mendival; two sons, Mark Merchant and wife, Brenda of Yukon, Oklahoma with their children, Shaun Kamiko, Chad Merchant, and Josh Merchant; Tim Merchant and wife, Paula of Woodward, Oklahoma with their children, Dani Wetz, Rebecca Arganbright, and Rachael Merchant; and daughter-in-law, Vicki Merchant-Buckley of Memphis, Tennessee and her children, Elizabeth Merchant-Buckley and Alexandra Merchant-Buckley. He was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers; one sister; and one son, Scott.