On June 26, 1997, a handsome baby boy entered the world to the loving parents of the late Paul Merchant and Johnnie “Red” Nealey Merchant.

Jerode graduated from Madisonville High, along with attending Blinn in Brenham, Texas. After attending college, he started his career in Landscaping.

Jerode passed away April 22, 2021 in Bryan, Texas. He was preceded in death by his father, Paul Merchant, and grandparents, Leroy Gilbert and Robbie L. Merchant and Genord and Leola Nealey.

He leaves to cherish his memories, his mother, Johnnie “Red” Nealey Merchant; a son, Tobias Xander Merchant; two sisters, Cassandra (Chris) and Ruenette (Keifer); three brothers, Patrick (Shawnique), Jonathan (Kachsell) and Paul “Woody” and a host of aunties, uncles, nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

Homegoing services for Jerode were held 11 a.m., Saturday, May 1, 2021 at Madisonville Funeral Home, Madisonville, Texas. Minister Howard Watson, Sr. officiated the service. Jerode was laid to rest in Southside Cemetery, Midway, Texas.

Pallbearers: Charkeith Wiley, Broderick Williams, Tarrence Curtis, Roderick Evans, Cash Manley, Dru Paul Merchant, Kyle Poe, Keion Salas, R’Kelian Wiley

Honorary Pallbearers: Anthony Curtis, Ja’Colbee Byrd, Antwoine Curtis, Jesse Carrington, David Glover, Kirk Curtis

Arrangements were entrusted to Madisonville Funeral Home, Madisonville, Texas.