Ted Brown Merchant's Obituary
In Loving Memory of Ted Brown Merchant January 27, 1933 – March 29, 2025
Ted Brown Merchant, 92, of Baytown, Texas, passed away peacefully on March 29, 2025. Born on January 27, 1933, in Buckner, Missouri, Ted was raised on a farm where he cultivated a lifelong love of horses, hunting, and fishing.
After graduating high school, Ted worked in a shoe factory in Marshall, Missouri, where he met Daisy Virden, the love of his life. They married on June 28, 1952, beginning a devoted partnership that would shape the rest of their lives. Shortly after their marriage, Ted was drafted into the Army, serving his country at Fort Polk, Louisiana, and later at Fort Riley, Kansas. It was during his time in Kansas that Ted and Daisy welcomed their first child, Terry Lee Merchant, in October 1954.
Following his military service, Ted and his family moved to the Houston, Texas, area in search of new opportunities. He secured employment at Sheffield Steel, which later became Armco Steel, where he worked tirelessly for 34 years before retiring. During this time, Ted and Daisy welcomed their second child, Jerry Wayne Merchant, in June 1956.
Upon retiring, Ted embarked on a new chapter of his life. He pursued various jobs to keep busy, while also enjoying his farm in Woodville, Texas. Ted's days were filled with raising cattle, hunting, fishing, gardening, and indulging in his passion for western novels and history books. He cherished the simple life, finding joy in the quiet moments and the company of his beloved family.
Ted was preceded in death by his wife, Daisy Lee Virden Merchant; his parents, Clyde Bryan Merchant and Clara Anna Luse Merchant; and his sister, Mary Bess Merchant. He is survived by his children, Terry Lee Merchant and his late wife Margret ("Sissy"), and Jerry Wayne Merchant and his wife Fay Merchant. Ted’s legacy also lives on through his cherished grandchildren, Jake Jerome Merchant and Kesha Merchant, and his great-grandson, Jexyn Knox Merchant.
Ted’s love for his family and his passion for the simple pleasures in life will be remembered by all who knew him. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten. His memory remains a blessing and a testament to a life well-lived.
What’s your fondest memory of Ted?
What’s a lesson you learned from Ted?
Share a story where Ted's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Ted you’ll never forget.
How did Ted make you smile?