Albert (Jerry) Jasper Merchant III, (76), of Conroe, Texas, passed away on January 20, 2024. He was born in Birmingham, Alabama and was the only son of Albert Jasper Merchant Jr. and Ruth Mosley Merchant.
He is survived by his loving daughter, Amanda Jane Merchant-Blythe, son-in-law Jeffery Blythe, grandsons Douglas and Nicholas Blythe, sister Lynn Merchant, sister Connie Schoenhart and numerous nieces and nephews. He is predeceased in death by his loving wife, Joan, of fifty years.
He joined the Navy in 1967 and went to the Vietnam War (1967-1969) and returned to join the Navel Reserves where he was recalled in 1991 for Desert Storm. He retired from the Naval Reserves after 25 years as a Storekeeper Chief (SKC). Also, he received numerous medals and accommodations including the Bronze Star while in the Navy. He was also in the Air Guard for five years. His passion was being a lifelong member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), American Legion (AL), and Disabled American Veterans (DAV). He held numerous positions including commander. His most rewarding position was that of Montgomery County Service Officer, where he helped over 500 veterans in the area get VA compensation for injuries they received while serving in the military. He served in this position up into his passing.
After doing two tours in Vietnam, he signed up for a third tour but met his wonderful wife Joan in 1968, then decided to sign up for the Naval Reserves. They moved to Houston where they married and had Amanda. He worked two jobs, went to college at night and was in the Naval Reserves on the weekends to support his family so Joan could stay home and raise Amanda.
He was a lifelong diehard University of Alabama Crimson Tide fan which he shared with his grandson, Nicholas. He was also a ham radio operator (N5YIV), was restoring a classic 1968 Chevy C10 truck and loved car shows.
Anyone who knew Jerry for more than five minutes knew he was genuine and caring. He always had a story to share. He was a wonderful and devoted husband, father, grandpa, brother, uncle and friend.
Special thanks to his DAV comrades who took time out of their busy schedules to go see him while he was at the VA hospital and rehab.
A funeral service for Albert will be held Saturday, February 17, 2024 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Cashner Funeral Home, 801 Teas Road, Conroe, Texas 77303.
