Mercer, Charles D.
Obituary
A life that leaves memories that will never be forgotten was the life of Charles Mercer. Few words can describe him but the ones that come to mind are Husband, Father, Grandfather, Service, Capable, Brave, Caring, and Fun-Loving. He had many names Dad, Chuck, Charlie, Rock and Sarge. No matter what name he was called, all knew him to be a man of honor. Charles Mercer’s life was dedicated to service. First in the Army Air Corps serving in WWll where he was a ball-turret gunner on a B-17. During his last mission on a bombing raid over Germany he and his crew were shot down and were put into prison as prisoners of war for 19 months. Many times his life was in jeopardy but time and time again he beat the odds. You would think once a man had gone through this experience he would have said enough, not Charles. Later he again was in a bomber now over Korea in the Korean War with the U.S. Air Force Strategic Air Command. After 26 years of service to our country he retired from the Air Force with an honorable discharge and many medals to commemorate his service. Charles’ love of service went even further in his personal life. He sang in his church choir, he belonged to the Masons and the Shriner organizations. At the Shriners he would aid sick children by driving them from Melbourne, Florida to Tampa Hospital for treatment. Definitely a man of service. Many knew Charles because of his love of golf. He learned the game when he was a kid growing up in Leetsdale, Pennsylvania by caddying for golfers. Charles won many tournaments and even later in life the Senior Master Championship for his age group held in North Carolina. Very few golfers ever get a Hole in one. Charles had 3 of them! Charles did like to gamble and it showed in his love for playing cards, especially gin. His life was full of entertainment from bowling, crossword puzzles, shooting pool, hunting, fishing or just watching sporting events on television. He was a man of many talents and interests. Charles Mercer believed in and demonstrated that learning is important. He had learned to be a cabinet maker, welder, built personal homes and even learned to shoe horses. He was a man never afraid to learn and to try. Just by his actions he demonstrated a strong and lasting character. Charles was a decision maker and that was especially demonstrated in 1945 when he met this wonderful girl, Jean McCallister. For Charles, it was love at first sight; however, it would take a little more time to win her heart, Jean and Charles married ln 1946. It would be a love and marriage that would last forever. The two of them loved to dance, go on driving trips, play cards, and go to social functions. They were definitely meant for one another. Their love produced three wonderful children, Roxanne, Cheryl, and Jackie. Yes, all three were girls but you would never know it by the way Charles would tease and wrestle with them. The Mercer household was filled with abundant joy and love. Charles is survived by his wife Jean Alice Mercer; his sisters Norma Merriman and Lois Becker; Survived also by two daughters Roxanne DeBerry and her husband, Larry, and Jackie Burke and her husband, Norm. He had 5 grandchildren: Laurence DeBerry and his wife, Gina, Jeanette Jones and her husband, Ragen, Amber Grider and her husband, Craig, Traci Turner, Jonathon Deckard and his wife, Gloria and Jason Deckard. He had 9 great grandchildren: Alesha Bailey and husband, Drew, Shelbie and Ryan MacDonald, Caleb Jones, Micah Jones, Matthan Jones, Devon Grider, Riley Grider, Mya Turner and Abbie Turner. He also had 2 Great-Great Granddaughters, Lola Jean Bailey and Harper Chae MacDonald; Numerous nieces, nephews and friends he loved dearly. Charles was preceded in death by his parents James B. and Edith Mercer, his 2 brothers Robert Mercer and James Mercer, one sister Mary Jane Pfeiffer and his daughter Cheryl Jean Deckard. The Family wishes to extend our sincere thanks to his dear friend and caregiver Natalie Ho. VISITATION: Monday August 29, 2016 from 6:00-8:00 P.M. – Aria Memorial Chapel at 19310 Preston Road, Dallas, Texas 75252. FUNERAL SERVICE: Tuesday August 30, at 11:00 A.M. ARIA Memorial Chapel 19310 Preston Road, Dallas, Texas 75252. Charles Mercer’s final resting place will be at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery 2000 Mountain Creek Pkwy, Dallas, Texas following a committal service with Full Air Force Honors. Please consider leaving a donation in Charles’ name to the Alzheimer’s Association. The departure of Charles Mercer is not about the hole he has left behind but the holes that he filled during his life that will continue to flourish for years to come. His love, his courage, his commitment, and his joy is a testament to a man that will never die but will live in our hearts and minds forever… We will all meet up again at the 19th hole! Arrangements are under the direction of ARIA Cremation Service and Funeral Home 19310 Preston Road Dallas, Texas 75252 214-306-6700
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To all the Family, we send our thoughts, prayers, and love. We loved seeing him the last time in Texas. He was a great guy and and we have fond memories of him. He will be missed. He will be remembered when we honor our World War II veterans on VJ day next week.
We are so sorry to hear of your loss of such a wonderful father, husband, Grandpa, Rock, Sarge. He sure had an amazing life full of adventures and suffering for the sake of our freedom. I know there are no words to comfort you but know that we are here and love you and the rest of your family. I hope one day I get to know him better at the 19th hole. God Bless you in your time of struggle.
Arnie and I extend our deepest sympathy in the loss of Chuck. He will be missed by all of us and his Veteran friends in the 305th Bombardment (H) Memorial Association, and all of his fellow Veteran’s will miss Chuck.
Barbara J. Tesch
President, 305th BGMA
So sorry for your loss! He was a very nice man and i enjoyed talking to him about history and events. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
I loved you so much Charlie. You will be missed a great deal.
I think my dad, John Corley, was in POW camp Luft IV with Rock. I remember a visit or two when he was traveling through SC. Hoping I have the right Sgt Rock Mercer. Deep condolences to the family.