Jewel E. Merchant, 73, of Orange, Texas, passed away at his home on November 17, 2007.
He was born on October 23, 1934 in Waldo, Arkansas to parents Jewel L. and Pearl Merchant. The family moved to Vinton, Louisiana where he attended elementary, junior high and high school. Jewel attended LSU and McNeese State College majoring in Electrical Engineering. He was employed by Gulf States Utilities as Maintenance Supervisor until his retirement.
Jewel was actively involved in community service where he was Assistant Fire Chief of the Vinton Volunteer Fire Department, a 32nd Degree Mason and a 50 year member of the Vinton Lodge. He served two terms on the Calcasieu Parish School Board and as President of the board was instrumental in the construction of Vinton Elementary School and renovations to Vinton Middle and Vinton High School.
Mr. Merchant moved to Orange 22 years ago and married Betty Sailers Merchant. He was an avid golfer and a member of Sunset Grove Country club where he served on the Board of Directors, served a term as Club President and was instrumental in having cart paths installed. As a member of the Lutcher Theater Guild he served on the Sets, Lights and Props Committee SLAP. Jewel was an invaluable asset to the Service of League of Orange by helping with the Follies. He served in a production capacity and worked diligently back stage. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church where he worked on many projects. He was also an ardent contract and duplicate bridge player, member of a Men?s Monday night bridge group and taught beginning classes and refresher courses to many.
Jewel is preceded in death by his parents Jewel L. and Pearl Merchant. He is survived by his wife Betty, sons Bruce Merchant of Sulphur, Louisiana, Richard Merchant and wife Susan of Orange, Texas, daughter Toni Tanner and husband Robin of Tomball, Texas. He is also survived by his step-children George Schroeder of Glendale, Arizona and Lynet Dunn and husband Lance of Houston, Texas, sister Donna Gossett of The Woodlands and brother, Jerry Merchant and wife Brenda of Vinton, Louisiana and grandchildren Kristen Merchant, Courtney Merchant, Shannon Merchant, Brandon Tanner, Andrew Tanner, Holly Tanner Butler and husband David and step-grandchildren G.T. Mangun, Jacob Mangun, Christopher Dunn, Steven Dunn and Jeffery Dunn; and three great grandchildren, Destiny and Trinity Wright and Kaylee Merchant and many nieces and nephews
Visitation will be Tuesday November 20, 2007 from 5-8 p.m. at Claybar Funeral Home. A Memorial service will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday November 21, 2007 at First United Methodist Church in Orange. Reverend Rob Fisher will officiate. A reception will follow in the Church Fellowship Hall.