Fowler Ray Mercer

Beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Fowler Ray Mercer, 88, of Evansville, was united with his Lord and Savior on Friday, December 24, 2010. He was born in Red Boiling Springs, TN on October 8, 1922, to William Lee and Virgie Pedigo Mercer as one of eight children.

Fowler proudly served his country in the Army’s 101st Infantry Division during WWII where he participated in the Normandy invasion and the Battle of the Bulge. He was wounded during the war and was decorated for his service, receiving two Purple Hearts, two Bronze Stars and a Bravery Medal.

After returning from the war, he settled in Evansville where he worked as a press operator for Koch Label Co., retiring after 50 years. In addition to his work, he was a 32nd Degree Mason and a member of Lessing Lodge #464 for over 50 years. He was also a Hadi Shriner and a member of the Hospital Staff, recently being recognized for 50 years of Shrine service. He was a long time member of North Park Baptist Church, serving as an usher/greeter.

He is survived by the love of his life, Juanita (Wiltshire) Mercer, his wife of 66 years; two daughters, Brenda (Ken) Ziegler and Jane Sexton, both of Louisville, KY; sisters, Bonnie Meeks of Evansville and Nervie Moats of Bowling Green, KY; grandsons, Todd (Karen) Ziegler of Lexington, KY, Travis (Gina) Ziegler and Auston Sexton, both of Louisville, KY; granddaughter, Heather Sexton of Indianapolis; and great-grandsons, Tyler, Patrick, Logan, and Tanner Ziegler.

Services will be 11:00 AM Wednesday, December 29, 2010, at Alexander North Chapel, officiated by Pastor Dan Sigler and Rev. Art Christmas. Entombment will be in Alexander Memorial Park where he will be honored with a full military service. Friends may visit Tuesday from 2:00 to 8:00 PM at Alexander North Chapel, where a Masonic service will be held by Lessing Lodge #464 at 6:00 p.m., followed by a Hadi Shrine walk through. Visitation will also be held Wednesday from 10:00 AM until service time at the funeral home.

In honor of Fowler’s life and legacy and in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to VFW Post #1114, 110 Wabash Avenue, Evansville, IN 47712, Parkinson’s Disease Foundation, 1359 Broadway, Suite 1509, New York, NY 10018, or North Park Baptist Church, 5015 First Avenue, Evansville, IN 47710.