Jeff Merchant

Jeff Edward Merchant, affectionately known by family and friends as "Merch," passed away on Monday, August Twenty Fifth, two thousand and twenty-five, in Alvin, Texas, at the age of 90 years. A lifelong native Texan, Merch was Christian by faith.

He married Dortha Lee White on December 20, 1958, with whom he shared three sons: Michael Edward Merchant, Steven Wayne Merchant, and David Lee Merchant.

In later years, he married Nancy Ruth Schonert, with whom he maintained a busy life gardening, working with Alvin's Blue Santa Program, and cooking for church dinners and family gatherings. They were well known for hosting fish fry dinners, as well as their infamous garage sales - "always the last one."

Throughout his life, Merch was employed as a diesel mechanic and worked alongside his brother, Earl "Smokey" Merchant, as a driver for Merchant's Wrecker Service.
He was a kind man who always enjoyed helping others and spending time conversing with his Whataburger breakfast pals.

He is survived by his sons, David Lee Merchant and Steven Wayne Merchant (Miranda); nephew, Eddy Earl Merchant (Carol); grandchildren, Mason Lee Merchant and Kasey Merchant; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He is predeceased by his parents, Billy Manuel Merchant and Irene McKay Merchant; son, Michael Edward Merchant; brothers, Earl "Smokey" Merchant and Benny Ray "Ben" Merchant; and sister, Agnes Marie "Weedie" Merchant.

The family would like to extend appreciation to Barbara Merchant, Barbara Murphy, and Curtis Wilson for their helping hands throughout Merch's later years.