Gene Snow Mercer

Gene Snow Mercer, age 85, passed away on April 18, 2013 after putting up a valiant struggle to overcome an asthma attack, which was further complicated by COPD and pneumonia. Gene was surrounded by his family when he said his good-byes. The youngest of seven, Gene was born on September 25, 1927 in Bountiful, Utah. Even then his parents knew that he was a fighter, and would impact history, as he was named after the world boxing champion Gene Tunney.

Gene served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, along with his four brothers and brother-in-law. He continued to “serve” his country by taking on leadership roles until the day he passed away. Gene shared his tenacity and determination for creating a “just” world through his “solution focused” efforts with the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Democratic Party, Social Justice Advocacy, Civic and Pool Association President. Most recently recently he was nominated to serve as Vice President at the Heatherwood Community, which he had called home for the last four months.

Gene’s career was as impressive as his passion for “living and leading”. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Utah and went on to have an accomplished 20 year career with United Airlines. As he moved up the corporate ladder, Gene attended the University of Chicago, earning his Masters Degree--while helping his wife Velma raise their three children.

In 1972, the Federal Aviation Administration hired Gene as an economist, where he flourished, finding new ways to enhance the aviation infrastructure though projects which included: developing tracking systems for counting planes; coordinating national conventions to address best practices and promote aviation networking; and playing an integral role in the planning and development of Dulles Airport, in Centerville, Virginia. Upon retiring from 20 years with the Federal Government, Gene consulted with organizations around the world to help developing countries plan and build their aviation infrastructure--all while being the best grandpa and caregiver EVER!

The two most important lessons Gene taught to those around him were that “family comes first” and “marry your best friend.” He lived by those rules, making sure that he was always home for dinner, spending long hours helping the children with their homework (often at the last minute), attending and facilitating every extra-curricular activity his children and grandchildren participated in from T-ball to school plays. As a husband he truly was a best friend, supporting his wife as professional, mother and life companion.

Gene joins his wife, Velma who died April 1, 2011. He is survived and will always be remembered by his children and grandchildren Nancy Mercer, (Bart Bukas), Ellen Whitney, Chris Mercer (Brian Mercer), Nicholas Jarosz, Meghan Whitney (Josh Gray), Paul Whitney, Patrick Jarosz and Booger.

All are welcome to attend a Gene Mercer’s celebration of life. A Viewing will be held May 3, 2013 6 to 8 p.m., and May 4 2013, 2 to 4 p.m. at Demaine Funeral Home, 5308 Backlick Road, Springfield, 22151. An “Aloha” Celebration will be held at the family home immediately following the services on May 4, 2013.

Feel free to wear your best Hawaiian garb to the service and following celebration...Dad would have liked it that way.In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations to go to: Specially Adapted Resource Clubs: Where Gene’s fight for social justice can continue...building universally designed communities through action--one person at a time ! www.SparcSolutions.org or SPARC, P.O. Box 10797, Burke, VA 22009