Kenneth Mercer

Kenneth Bryce Mercer, 98, passed away Tuesday, June 26, 2012, at the Lutheran Home in Cape Girardeau. He was formerly of Morton, Ill.

He was born June 30, 1913, in Peoria, Ill., to Joseph and Bertha Carper Mercer. He and Virginia Yentes were married Feb. 10, 1940, in Peoria.

Mercer was a 1931 graduate of Peoria High School.

He was a typographer in the U.S. Navy during World War II.

Mercer continued that profession more than 50 years in the Peoria area. He was a member of Bethel Lutheran Church, American Legion and Kennel Lake Sportsmen's Club, all in Morton.

He is survived by his wife of 72 years; a sister, Virginia Johnson of Peoria Heights, Ill.; a daughter, Debra (John) Jusits of Cape Girardeau; three grandchildren, Lisa Martin of Des Plaines, Ill., Jason Martin of Decatur, Ill., and Andrea (Andy) Malcolm of Poplar Grove, Ill.; and three great-granddaughters, Alivia, Anna and Avery Malcolm.

He was preceded in death by his parents and five brothers.

There is no service planned at this time. Interment will be in Hillcrest Memory Gardens in Morton.

Ford and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.