William Mercer

William Mercer, 80, of Creston, died peacefully on Monday, Nov. 28, 2016 at LifeCare Hospice of Wooster after a brief illness.

Bill was born Nov. 12, 1936 in New Matamoras, OH to the late Lloyd William and Esther Laura (Culbertson) Mercer and served in the U.S. Army from 1953-1956. On Dec. 12, 1958 he married the love of his life the former JoAnn Richardson at Jackson Presbyterian Church and she survives. In 1998 Bill retired from North Hill Glass having worked under Glaziers Local Union 1162 for many years where he was highly respected by his union brothers. He was a member of Creston Presbyterian Church where he cared for the lawn at the church, manse and at Jackson Cemetery and was an active volunteer at Pleasant Hill Outdoor Camp. Bill never knew a stranger and could talk about anything to anyone who enjoyed helping out widows, widowers and shut-ins in the church and the community and always enjoyed his daily visits around the table at Wayside Market, Hartmans and Pike Station. He loved playing cards, sporting events, especially boxing and spending time with his children, grandchildren and his extended family. He will be greatly missed and remembered as one who lived life to care and to take care of others.

Surviving are his wife, JoAnn; daughters, Pam (Jeff) Hostetler of Creston, Amy Mercer of Creston and Melissa (Max) Smetiouk of Delaware, OH; grandchildren, Drew and Taylor Hostetler both of Charlotte, NC, Felicia Mercer of Creston and Kyle and Connor Smetiouk of Delaware; sisters, Eileen Martin of Wadsworth and Farra “Pepper” Davies of Orrville and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters, Evelyn Comin, Dollie Shelley, Chloe Conley and Mary Kollert and a brother Jack Mercer.

Services will be Friday at 11:00 a.m. at Creston Presbyterian Church with Pastor Mike VanArsdale officiating. Burial will be in Jackson Cemetery. Friends may call Thursday from 5-7 p.m. at Murray Funeral Home in Creston. Tributes may be shared at www.Murray-Funeral-Home.com Memorial contributions may be made to LifeCare Hospice, 1900 Akron Rd., Wooster, OH 44691.