Donald R. Mercer

He was a graduate of Prairie Lea High School and earned a B.S. Degree at Southwest Texas. He taught chemistry and biology for several years in San Antonio. He had a career change in 1966 that took him to Kelly Air Force Base in the Chem Lab, retiring in August of 1990. In 1999 another career developed for him at Standard Aero as the head chemist, leaving the company in May of 2008.

Mr. Mercer served six years in the U.S. Army Reserves.

Don loved to attend his granddaughter's volleyball games and track meets. His hobbies included planting his seasonal gardens and canning the vegetables, making wine, reading, and tackling any worthy project that needed his brains and talented hands.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister Dixie Murdoch; infant brother Leo Allen Mercer; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Frank and Gertrude Laskowski; and brother-in-law Ernest Laskowski. Don is survived by his best friend and wife, Margie; stepsons, Allen (Shannon), Michael (Vicki), Brett (Jeanette) Dear; the most important young people in his life, his grandchildren, Brittani, Matthew, Brianna and Madeleine; his brothers-in-law, Frank Laskowski (Rose Marie) and Walter Murdoch; a sister-in-law, Evelyn Laskowski, and his two bookends, Coco Chanel and Zoe. He is also survived by numerous cousins, nephews, and nieces and many friends.

His biggest attribute was always helping and putting others first. Don was a member of UUMC for over 15 years. At the time of his death he was attending Summit Christian Center. He was a Christian who loved his Lord and Savior, always living his purpose on earth.

Special thanks to VITAS Hospice and their Crisis Care Staff.

Chaplain Claron "Lee" Cage will officiate. At Don's request he will be cremated.

Memorial contributions in Don's name may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, P.O. Box 50, Memphis, TN 38101-9929 or to a charity of your choice.