Ensley William “Dub” Merchant was born in Elizabeth, LA to William Ensley Merchant and Ada Crawford Merchant on February 21, 1926. He lived in Moss Bluff, LA prior to moving to Natchitoches, LA. He was a charter member of The First Baptist Church of Moss Bluff. Ensley was a U.S. Navy Veteran and served in the South Pacific during World War II. He was also a graduate of McNeese State University. He was a master craftsman and enjoyed wood working for many years. He worked for the Department of Corrections for 34 years in Probation and Parole. He was instrumental in starting one of the first Boy Scout Troops in Moss Bluff. He enjoyed the outdoors, hunting and fishing.
Those left to cherish his memory are son Robert Ensley Merchant of Singer, LA, Sister Eunice Wilson of Shreveport, LA, granddaughter Kendra Ann Merchant of Lafayette, LA, and great-grandsons Tyler Anthony Guillory of Monroe, La and Trevor Ensley Guillory of Lafayette, LA.
He is preceded in death by his wife Lora Alston Merchant, parents William Ensley Merchant and Ada Crawford Merchant, sisters Nell Ricco, Myrtle Hassel, Myrtress Maddocks, and Mary Ruth Hall.
Funeral services will be held at 2pm on Sunday July 21, 2019 at Hixson Funeral Home of Moss Bluff. Rev Bill Saxby will officiate. Visitation will be held on Sunday from 12pm till time of service. Burial will follow at Old Ritchie Cemetery in Moss Bluff. Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.hixsonfuneralhome.com
The family would like to thank the staff at Harbor Hospice and The Gardens for the wonderful care they showed to Mr. Ensley Merchant. The family would also like to give a special thanks to Dr. Ellendale Gabbert, Dr. Ralph Hayes, Dr. Jason Langhofer and their staff
