We recently buried a very good friend who spent 35 years as a Texas Ranger. Sid Merchant worked out of the Abilene, TX office for many years, I spend a good bit of time with him over the years and spoke with him regularly after he retired and moved to Oklahoma. He once told me that there was only one thing that could motivate an Old Ranger to move to Oklahoma, that was grandchildren. Sid shared tales of many of his experience with me over the years, he led a quite interesting life.
I think ever Texas Ranger and Law Officer for miles around attended Sid’s funeral, I would guess there were over five hundred. The funeral was conducted by the Texas Ranger Chaplin, the grave side services were a combination of a Masonic service, remembrances by old friends and a military styled display by the DPS Honor Guard.
I also had the pleasure of spending some time with Joaquin Jackson in Alpine, TX several years ago. His daughter in law is the curator of the museum at Sul Ross University, they had a display there on his life and he was promoting his book “One Ranger.” He is also a very interesting man. He recently loaned his collection of Winchester to TSRA for display at their new offices in San Antonio. I haven’t seen it but understand it is one of the finest individual collections around.
And while on the subject of Texas Rangers, if ever in the Waco, TX. area don’t miss the “Texas Rangers Museum.” You can spend hours there drooling over the firearms. You won’t find as many beautiful 1911s with so much history any other place.
