Edward Albert (Ted) Mercer, 83, passed away Tuesday morning March 25, 2008 at Christus H H Hospital St. Elizabeth, after a lengthy illness. A native of Bountiful, Utah, Ted was born December 18, 1924, to Florence and Ammon Mercer, growing up in a family of seven children.
As a 1st Lieutenant in the United States Air Force, he served as a bombardier-navigator and was stationed at Kings Lynn, England, flying twelve missions over Europe. He attended the University of Utah, after which he chose a career in commission sales throughout his lifetime.
After living and working in Utah and California, Ted spent most of his retirement years as a resident of Beaumont, where he was an active member and volunteer at Calder Baptist Church and served on the board of the Jefferson Theatre Preservation Society, volunteering throughout the campaign to restore the historic Theater. He loved dancing and bridge and until recent months played bridge at the Best Years Center.
Ted is survived by his wife, Gwen Mercer; sons, Val, Marc, and Kevin Mercer; daughters, Lael Birdsell and Deanne Baptista; their mother, Janice Mercer; and seven grandchildren. In addition to his parents, Ted was preceded in death by sisters, Maxine White and Luana Sorensen; brother, Dick Mercer; and is survived by brothers, Kay, Marne, and Gene Mercer.
Ted’s joyous love of life, bright personality, and selfless enthusiasm endeared him to those around him, so that his presence will be missed by everyone who knew him.
His family expresses appreciation to Dr. Hugh Stovall at the V.A. Outpatient Clinic; Dr. Jay Schachner and the staff at Texas Oncology; the nursing staff of Four Southeast at St. Elizabeth; and especially to Noel Crittenden, Mary Stevenson; and the staff of St. Elizabeth’s Outpatient Infusion Center.
Memorial service will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 29, 2008 at Calder Baptist Church, 1005 North 11th Street under the direction of Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin, Beaumont. A gathering of family and friends will be 10:00 a.m. until time of service Saturday in the Church Fellowship Hall.
Memorial contributions may be made to Calder Baptist Church, 1005 North 11th Street, Beaumont, Texas 77702.
