JETER

Jonathan Russell Jeter, 47, passed away peacefully on January 11, 2020 surrounded by loved ones at UT Health East Texas Hospital in Tyler, Texas.

Jonathan was born to Mary (Edwards) and Jesse Lee Jeter III on November 29, 1972 in Pasadena, Texas and grew up in Jefferson, Texas. He graduated Jefferson High School in 1991. Jonathan moved to Arkansas to accept a job at Smith Fiberglass. It was there he met Kristie Merckx (Collins) and the two later married and had a son, Gentry Cole Jeter.

Jonathan and family returned to East Texas in 2007, and he continued oilfield work most recently with the company National Oilwell Varco.

He is survived by his son, Gentry, and Gentry’s mother Kristie (Kevin Collins), mother Mary Russell Edwards, (Jimmy), brother Joe Edwards, “honorary brother” Keith Merckx, Jr. (Barbara) along with step-mother Bonnie Jeter, step-sisters Laurie Strutz, Barbra Summers, and step-brother Mark Edwards.

Jonathan was preceded in death by his father Jesse Lee Jeter III, his brother Jesse Lee Jeter IV, and “honorary dad” Keith Lowell Merckx, Sr.

Jonathan is remembered for his big heart, his keen sense of humor and strong work-ethic. He was a caring son and father and a beloved uncle to many nieces and nephews.

Services were held at Erman Smith Funeral Home in Pittsburg, Texas at 2:00 pm on Monday, January 13, 2020. The family will receive visitors immediately prior beginning at Noon until 1:45 p.m.

The family wishes to acknowledge Jonathan’s employer National Oilwell Varco for their help and understanding during his lengthy illness, as well as the staff at UT Health East Texas for their compassionate medical care.

Memorial donations may be made to God’s Closet/Camp County Cares or the East Texas Food Bank East Texas Food Bank, 3201 Robertson Rd, Tyler, TX 75701, Online donations can be made at: https://www.easttexasfoodbank.org/donatenow/; which supports God’s Closet’s efforts, God’s Closet 129 Jefferson Street, Pittsburg, TX 75686.