Paul David Mercer O.C.D.,
December 11, 1933 – October 10, 2015
After 81 years of a life well-lived, on October 10, 2015, Paul Mercer moved on to new adventures with old friends and loved ones. No doubt he now spends his time cutting wood and dealing horses with his father Frank Hickman Mercer, sitting quietly beside his mother, Elsie Neoma Mercer, exchanging corny jokes with his brother Harold, and playing a game of catch with grandson Travis.
Paul was beloved husband to Carol Doyle Mercer, father to Linda Mercer Jones and husband Vince, Ron Mercer and wife Carolyn, Debra Anderson and husband Joel, and Kathleen Mercer. He was the best grandpa ever to Rob, Travis, Derek, Nicki, William, Kate, Cameron, and Taelor. Paul was a great-grandpa, uncle, brother-in-law, and friend.
He was our superman and hero. He turned a garden tractor ride into an adventure, a brush pile into a blazing bonfire, and a pickup truck bed into a backyard camping trip. He led expeditions for the three musketeers, and made memories that will never be forgotten. A machinist by trade, he was our chief engineer and fix-it man. Tools organized and labeled, he was ever armed and ready. He fine-tuned watches, sharpened knives, restored guns to pristine condition, re-assembled old furniture, repaired broken toys, household appliances, holes in walls, and kept cars and lawn mowers running after everyone else had given up on them.
He was our entertainer with an endless supply of jokes, puns, and pranks. His irreverence and dry humor will never leave us. He was a thinker and a problem-solver, intelligent and creative. From time to time you would see him sitting quietly, “waiting for an idea” he explained it when asked. He described himself as an unlearned “country boy,” but you can bet he could match wits with anyone.
Paul loved his family. We can still hear him softly saying “I’m so proud of my family.” He gave us the tools to be successful: a strong work ethic, fearlessness in the face of challenges, a wicked sense of humor, and a deep love of family and home. He gave himself the initials O.C.D. and that is how we will remember him. Paul David Mercer – One Cool Dude.
Funeral services for Paul were held at 1 p.m. Wed., Oct. 14, 2015 at the Eaton Funeral Home Chapel in Sullivan, with Pastor Roy Fikac officiating. Burial followed in the I.O.O.F. Memorial Cemetery. The family received friends on Wednesday from 11 a.m. until time of service. Memorial donations are suggested to the Barnes Children’s Hospital in St. Louis. You may sign the on line guest book by visiting www.eatonfuneralhome.com.