Merrideth Jeran Akers

Born in Cordova, Walker County, Alabama, Jeran grew up in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and played football at Tuscaloosa High School. He graduated from the University of Alabama in 1969 with a degree in business and earned a Master of Administration in Public Finance from the University of Northern Colorado in 1972.

Jeran served his country during the Cold War, manning a Minuteman missile site for the U.S. Air Force and earning the rank of Captain. After his service ended, he founded Akers & Associates, a sales organization with national reach headquartered in Plano, Texas. A dedicated public servant, Jeran served in numerous leadership and volunteer roles with The Boy Scouts of America, The Boys and Girls Club, and his favorite and most impactful role as a Sunday School teacher. Jeran also helped save countless lives through his passionate advocacy for organ donation and volunteer work with the North Texas Transplant Alliance.

Jeran proudly served on the Plano City Council from 1993-1999, including as Deputy Mayor Pro Tem from 1997–1998 and Mayor Pro Tem from 1998-1999. He was elected Mayor of Plano in 2000 and championed small government and the importance of community.

Jeran is preceded in death by his parents, Merrideth Townsend Akers and Lois Akers, and his son, Joshua Russell Akers.

Jeran is survived by wife, Victoria Harres Akers, son Tyler Akers and wife, Kristen Akers, daughter Jan-Michael Jihan (Akers) Wells and husband, Michael Wells, son David Downs and wife, Robin Downs, son Christopher Downs; and grandchildren Austin Wells (10), Collin Wells (9), Parker Wells (7), Valerie Akers (7), Emily Akers (2).

Jeran is also survived by brother Ottie “Bud” Akers, wife Marcia, and sister Era Rae Akers.

Services will be held at First United Methodist Church of Plano, 3160 E. Spring Creek Parkway, Plano, Texas 75074, on Saturday, August 26, 2023, at 1:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The Gideons International [https://www.gideons.org/donate] or the charity of your choice.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.TedDickeyFuneral.com for the Akers family.