Donald Eugene Mercer

Donald “Don” Eugene Mercer, 91, of Bloomington, passed away on January 16, 2017 at Monroe County Hospital. He was born on July 2, 1925 in Monroe County, as the son of Wayne and Irene (Newton) Mercer. Don joined the United States Navy on July 1, 1943. He was stationed at Alameda Naval Air Station near San Francisco. He served on the U.S.S. Hornet, doing several tours from California to Pearl Harbor. During his time, he met his future bride, LaDonna Stark, and they married on February 3, 1945. Don was honorably discharged on January 9, 1946. Following his discharge, Don worked for Indiana University for 33 years as a Housing Manager, helping open several large dormitories, and training staff members. Don was a member of Clear Creek Christian Church and American Legion. He enjoyed golfing, bowling, and traveling to California to visit LaDonna’s family. He was an avid IU Basketball and IU Football Fan, and Cardinal’s Baseball fan. He loved spending time with his grandchildren, and attending any and every sporting event he could. Don is survived by his children, Terri and Tom Pugsley of Bloomington, Debbie and Mark Brumleve of North Richland, TX, and Rhea and Bill Simms of Smithville, Keith and Kathy Mercer of Evansville, grandchildren; Kimberly Berger, Stacy Lind, Leah Mercer, Kathryn Elliott, Keith Mercer, Jr, Brooke Ragas, Brian Brumleve, Jennifer Simms and Kris Simms, ten great grandchildren; Dakota Berger, Cheyenne Berger, Colton Lind, Gage Lind, Trislynn Lind, Addison Lind, Cash Elliott, Georgia Elliott, Marlow Elliott, Luke Ragas, Max Ragas, Hayden Simms, Hudson Simms, and Aliza Simms. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, LaDonna (Stark) Mercer, grandson, Anthony Pugsley, and great-grandchildren, Kylie and Logan Lind, and brother, Robert Mercer. A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, January 20, 2017 at Allen Funeral Home and Crematory, 4155 S. Old State Road 37, Bloomington. Entombment with Military Rites by the Monroe County Honor Guard will follow at Valhalla Memory Gardens. Don’s family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service on Friday at the funeral home. You are invited to share a memory or leave an online condolence to Don’s family at www.allencares.com

Tributes

Donald Eugene Mercer

July 2, 1925 - January 16, 2017