Merrideth Jeran Akers, 76, of Plano, TX, passed away peacefully at home with his beloved wife, Victoria, by his side on Thursday, August 10, 2023. 

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 in the U.S. Air Force earning the rank of Captain. After his service ended, he founded Akers & Associates, a sales organization with national reach headquartered in Plano, Texas. He 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 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.

A Celebration of Life for Jeran will be held at First United Methodist Church Plano on Saturday, August 26, 2023, at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The Gideons International, gideons.org/donate, or the charity of your choice.