Dallas Howard Merchant passed away peacefully on Monday December 30, 2019 at the Friendship Villa in Miles City, MT at the age of 91.
Dallas was born March 30, 1928 in Miles City, MT to Pete and Dora (Steel) Merchant. He was raised in Stacy on the family ranch. He attended Loesch Country Schools and graduated from Custer County High School in Miles City. Following graduation, he returned to the ranch to work with his family.
He married Betty Janutis on August 15, 1950 where they built their home and lived in for 65 years.
Along with ranch life, music was a passion. He played the fiddle and guitar for many years and especially enjoyed being a part of the Eastern Montana Fiddlers.
Dallas was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Betty, one daughter, Linda Sue Merchant, and one brother, Arlie Merchant, a granddaughter, Lindsey Merchant, and a grandson, Eddie Whittenberg. He is survived by one son, Jim Merchant of Volborg and one daughter, Mary Lou Merchant of Miles City, 12 Grandchildren, 12 Grandchildren, and 17 Great-Great Grandchildren.
Family will receive friends on Monday, January 6th from 4pm to 6pm at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home. Burial will be at the Custer County Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
mike higgins says
so sorry to hear of this. Such a fine man and we offer our deepest sympathy….Mike and Myrna Higgins
Ken Minow says
My deepest condolences to Jim and Mary Lou.Dallas was a good man-my deepest sympathy….Ken Minow
Ginger Huckins says
I’m so sorry for your loss. I always enjoyed Dallas when he would come into Motor Service(the old NAPA) store. Ginger Huckins G
Bill Canon says
It saddens me to hear of the loss of a great friend. My heart goes out to Jim, Mary Lou and Family.
Patti (Green) Ireland says
My condolences to the Merchant family. Dallas and the Merchant family were next door neighbors to the Green Ranch in the Stacy community, ever-present friends as I grew up. I pray that God will wrap you in His arms and give you comfort as you grieve the loss of your dad and grandfather.
Patti (Green) Ireland
Julia Watts Pierce says
To the Merchant family: We were sorry to hear of your loss. I have many memories of good times on the ranch at Volborg.
Bub and Carlene Gaskill says
Condolences to the Merchant family.
Charles (Johnny) Jonuts says
I will alway’s remember the fun times we had at the Merchant Ranch.
Gene and Bobi Allard says
Gene and I send our sympathies to Dallas’s family. What I remember most about Dallas was his infectious grin. I had such a crush on handsome Dallas when I was growing up.
Dick Culver says
Couldn`t as for a nicer fellow. RIP
Stan Jonutis says
Always remember the fun picnics the Merchants put on at their ranch. Dallas was always an interesting , outgoing personality.
Dallas A. Roots says
Dallas Roots of Big Timber, Mt, expresses condolences to the family. I visited Dallas and his wife about 5 years ago at their farm Also visited Dallas at Friendship Villa a couple of years ago. Dallas helped host at the Loesch School Reunion, August 9, 1986 and then was the M/c for the dinner and dance at the new Stacy Hall afterwards. The reunion was a memorable experience thanks to all of the organizing folks and the alumni and friends who came.
Sonny Lockwood and Sandy Stahl says
Our thoughts are with you in your time of loss. So sorry we won’t make it in today to pay our respects in person, but we will be thinking of you.
Terry Hulford(Scanlan) says
My deepest sympathies to his family, he was a wonderful person and I will miss his firm handshake and always friendly smile!!
Larry Certain says
Dallas, you were a wonderful man, and a pleasure to know and work for. Your evening guitar and singing performances were enjoyed by us and helped the lonely evenings go by for us young high school boys. Rest in peace, my friend. Maybe we’ll meet again someday on that range up yonder.