Howard Alvin Mercer

Howard was born to Thomas Glenn Mercer and Bertha Ellen Mercer (Ward) on March 29, 1932, in Covington, Oklahoma. He passed away surrounded by the love of his family on March 28, 2026, in Goddard, Kansas.

He was the middle of three children, joining older brother Marvin Mercer and later followed by little brother Wayne Mercer. Howard graduated from Planeview High School in 1952 and shortly after discovered his calling in the U.S. Marine Corps. He enlisted in 1952 and was deployed to fight in the Korean War. He was wounded in action and honorably discharged, receiving the Purple Heart, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Presidential Unit Citation, United Nations Service Medal, and the Korean Service Medal with two Stars.

While Howard was proud of his service, he was most proud of his family. He had four children: Lonnie (Scooter) Mercer, David Mercer, Mickey Pogue (partner Curtis Broadhurst), and Brian Mercer (wife Angela Mercer). His legacy grew to include grandchildren Staci Ortiz (husband Eric Ortiz), Hayley Pogue (partner Landon Willbanks), MacArthur Mercer, Patton Mercer, Robert Pogue, and Amber Eggleston; great-grandchildren Bently Pogue, Dominic Rodriguez, Aubrey Willbanks, Lynley Willbanks, and Isla Willbanks; and great-great-granddaughter Julia Ortiz.

His life was full of love and laughter, with a large family he loved to boast about. His devotion to his family was well-known, as was his love for Westerns and John Wayne, the OU Sooners, the Marines, and his work as a Sheriff’s Deputy.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Billie Jean Remington; his son, Lonnie; his father, Thomas; his mother, Bertha; and his brother, Marvin. He leaves behind a legacy of light and love.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your local VFW or the Veterans Memorial Fund.

"Once a Marine, always a Marine" — Semper Fi.

Visitation will be held at Resthaven Mortuary, 11800 West Highway 54, Wichita, KS 67209, US, on April 1, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

A Graveside Service will be held at Resthaven Gardens of Memory, 11800 West Highway 54, Wichita, KS 67209, US, on April 2, 2026, at 2:00 pm.