A.C. Mercier

Former football and golf coach at the University of Missouri-Rolla, A.C. "Bud" Mercier, 68, of Rolla died of cancer Thursday, Sept. 16, 2004, at his home.

He was born July 8, 1936, in St. Louis, son of L.A. and Virginia Mercier. He married the former Jane Burton.

Mr. Mercier was a standout on the Fredericktown High School football team. An injury cut short his football career at the University of Missouri-Columbia. He received a bachelor's degree from UMC in 1959 and a master's degree from Arkansas State University in 1966.

He joined the University of Missouri-Rolla football coaching staff under then head coach Dewey Allgood in 1967. Later he served as assistant head coach under Charlie Finley.

While he was on the football coaching staff the Miners won three league titles and had an undefeated season in 1980.

He coached football 19 years and was head golf coach 29 years. He also served as assistant athletic director during a portion of his career at UMR. Under Mercier the Miners golf team won the MIAA championship in 1969 and finished eighth at the 1970 NCAA Division II championship after winning a regional title. He retired from coaching in 1996.

Mr. Mercier was inducted into the MSM-UMR Athletic Hall of Fame Sept. 11.

Survivors include his wife; three daughters and sons-in-law, Debbie and Pat Stoner of Conway, Ark., Marcia and Randy MacCash of Rolla, Donna and Mike Davis of Broomfield, Colo.; his mother of Fredericktown, Mo.; a sister, Marcia Wagner of Cape Girardeau; six grandchildren, Samantha and Drew Stoner, Logan and Thomas MacCash, Natalie and Matthew Davis; and a niece, Michelle Harpole of Cape Girardeau.

He was preceded in death by his father.

Friends may call at Null and Son Funeral Home in Rolla from 3 to 6 p.m. today.

The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Sunday at First Assembly of God Church in Rolla, with the Rev. Chuck Whitmire officiating. Burial will be private at Ozark Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to the American Cancer Society and the UMR football program.