On Dec 1st 1949 a handsome baby boy was born to Allen Sr. and Della Merchant, and was named Allen Merchant Jr. He was the only child and was known at school and around town by the nickname “Butch”. All of his formal education was in the Kashmere Gardens community area, graduating from McDade Elementary School. McDade Elementary sits adjacent to Kashmere Gardens High practice field so Allen got a full vision of his football forecast from the playgrounds of McDade as he would watch the Ram’s practice. Allen always showed interest in sports and various activities as a kid and was gifted to perform at a high level at multi sports. He was a 3 year football letterman and his honors in 1968 were 1st team All-Zone, All-City, All Regional and All-State. Who would ever forget the long Hail Mary to John Sanford with 7 seconds on the clock to beat Jack Yates High School? Merchant would end his high school career with over 3,000 passing yards and arguable considered by many as one of the most outstanding quarterbacks in Kashmere’s history, as he teamed with All-American wide receiver Kenny Adams to form the most potent duo in the city in 1968. Allen quarterbacked Kashmere against Bellaire as the game pitted PVIL vs UIL (first playoff game between integrated teams) before an overflow standing room only crowd at Jeppesen Stadium. Bellaire would go on to defeat Kashmere 14-7 and the Rams would end their season at 8-1-2. Merchant graduated from Kashmere Gardens Senior High School in 1968 as an outstanding student-athlete.
As the star quarterback he understood the importance of attaining good academic grades. He made sure to give his best in every sport he played. Although his fame is attributed to playing football, basketball was his first love as he was also a member of Kashmere basketball team. Butch accepted a scholarship to Prairie View A& M University after turning down numerous major universities that was completing for his service. Our father was a very peculiar and stern individual. Allen would go on to graduate from PV after completing his football career. He enjoyed playing football but often he complained about it being a very physical game. The aura about him was undeniable anytime he entered the court arena or football field. Even though it was short lived Allen did have a professional career with the Oakland Raiders as a running back. His professional career ended after several on the field injuries. After returning to the Houston area, he worked in teaching and coaching positions. He also worked for Brown & Root Company. As rumors would have it our father didn’t care much for children but he managed to create two wonderful kids in Alaine and Ronnie Merchant, lucky him. Our father passed away on September 25, 2014 as a faithful member of Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, pastored by his basketball teammate Dr. Rev. Willie Jones.