Scott Allan Merchant

Scott Merchant, 61, of South Sioux City, NE, passed away suddenly at home, Saturday, January 15, 2022.  A funeral mass will be held Friday, January 21 at 11:00 A.M. at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Jackson, NE.  Visitation will be Thursday, from 4-7:00 P.M. and a prayer service at 7:00 P.M. at Mohr & Becker Hunt Funeral home.  Burial will be at St. John’s Cemetery in Jackson, NE.  Online condolences may be made to www.meyerbroschapels.com.

Scott was born on June 6, 1960 in Sioux City, IA to John “Leo” and Sheryle (Steven) Merchant.  He was united in marriage to Celeste Keefer on September 8, 1979. To this union three children were born.  Scott retired in July 2020, after working as a conductor for the BNSF railroad for 42 years.  He had many hobbies, including hunting, fishing, archery, competition shooting, trapping, reading, gardening, woodworking, quilting, canning, and camping.   He was a true outdoorsman.  He enjoyed gunsmithing and reloading and loved spending time with his family, especially his grandkids.  Scott’s favorite teams were the Greenbay Packers and the Nebraska Cornhuskers.  He was a jokester and history buff.  Scott was a respected mentor and protector and will be missed by many. Quotes that he lived by were “Never let the truth get in the way of a good story.” And “It’s easier to ask for forgiveness instead of permission.” And “Don’t try to be somebody you’re not.”

Those left to honor his memory include his wife Celeste “Lesa” Merchant, South Sioux City, NE; children: Justin Merchant (Melissa), Dakota Dunes, SD, Anna (Drew) Palmer, St. Louis, MO, Rhett (fiancé Marie Schone) Merchant, Vermillion, SD; mom, Sheryle Merchant, South Sioux City, NE; siblings: Carrie (Mark) Closter, South Sioux City, NE, Chad (Traci) Merchant, Dakota Dunes, SD; grandchildren: Alaire, Stella, Molly, Dylan, Rocco; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his dad, Leo and brother, Craig.