Frank G. Mercer's Obituary
Decatur-Frank G. 'Mick' Mercer, 73, of Forsyth and the Decatur area, passed away due to cancer on Thursday, May 13, 2010 at Faith Care Center in Highland, IL.
Services to celebrate Frank's life will be 11:00 am Monday, May 17, 2010 at the Forsyth Baptist Church with Pastor Adam Powers officiating. Visitation will be Sunday from 6:00 pm ' 8:00 pm at Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home. Interment will be in Graceland Cemetery. In Lieu of Flowers, his family request that donations be made to the Forsyth Baptist Church or Decatur Memorial Hospital. Online memories and condolences may be shared with Frank's family at www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
Mick was born on December 28, 1936 in Springfield, IL the son of Stuart and Helen (Aikin) Mercer. He was a Decatur High School graduate. After graduation he became an electrician and member of IBEW #146. He married Iantha Housel in 1957 and they had one child, Melanie Sue. Mick later married Gloria Gebhart Kowa in 1970. He owned Toy Town, The Children's Friend and Decatur Office Supply. After retirement, he worked for the US Census Bureau, the Decatur Herald and Review, and served as a volunteer for Meals on Wheels,. Mick attended Forsyth Baptist Church. He was an avid fan of basketball and the St. Louis Cardinals. Later in life he developed a love for traveling and walking.
He leaves behind his daughter Melanie Escott and her husband Michael of Highland, IL; two grandsons Nick Escott of Lenexa, KS and Joseph Escott of Independence, MO; one granddaughter Stephanie Ulrich of Huntsville, MO; one great-granddaughter Annabella and one great-grandson Daniel; one brother William Mercer of The Woodlands, TX and one sister Elizabeth Hovious of Wilton, NY; five nieces and four nephews; a step-daughter Cynthia Basler, two step-sons Tom Kowa of Forsyth, IL and Steven Kowa; four step-grandchildren Jaci Heather, Kim Basler, Tonya Kowa-Morelli, and Zachary Kowa.
He was preceded in death by his wife Gloria, his parents, his brothers Jack and Paul, his sister Mary, and his infant son Richard.
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