David Lee Mercer was born September 6, 1932 in Big Springs, NE, the son of Merrill and Reatha Ledbetter Mercer.

Dave attended grade and high school in Big Springs, graduating in 1952. He was active in sports, particularly track and football. He and his teammates qualified for state competition and won the 880 yard relay.

Dave enlisted in the United States Navy in May 1952 and received his Naval Training in San Diego, CA and served on the USS Princeton air craft carrier. He was an Electrician Mate 3 CR-FN. Dave was awarded the Korean War Service Medal with bronze star and the Korean Service Ribbon with bronze star. Other honors included the National Defense Service Ribbon and the United Nations Service Ribbon and Medal . Dave completed his duties at the US Naval Hospital in San Diego, CA where he transported burn patients for treatment.

After receiving an Honorable discharge in 1954 Dave continued to live in California and he worked for Ryan Air Craft, Boeing Air Craft, the Filter Queen Company, and also was employed in the orange and avocado orchards.

In 1957 he returned to Big Springs for a short time. He then worked near Wiggins, CO. for an oil drilling company, and later moved to Julesburg and operated Dave's Texaco Service Station. He later moved to a larger building and managed a Phillips 66 Station. He also drove the south route school bus.

Dave belonged to the Lions Club and several village organizations. He is a past Worshipful Master of Masonic Lodge AF & AM #81 of Holyoke, CO. He was baptized in the Christian faith and a member of the Methodist Church in Ogallala and a life member of the Elks Lodge #1760.

In June of 1970 Dave married Wanda Steinwart in Ogallala. He started Mercer Tree Service in 1970 and operated the business until his retirement in 2001.

His greatest joy was having the children and grandchildren come home so he could entertain them with boating, fishing, water skiing and enjoying the lake.

Preceding him in death were his parents, an infant son, step-son Clinton Steinwart, his brother Marvin Mercer, and his mother-in-law and
father-in-law Alma and Loren Robinette.

Survivors include:

His wife Wanda Mercer of Ogallala, NE

2 step-sons:
     Rodney Steinwart (LuAnn) of Kearney,NE
     Roger Steinwart (Janet) of Ogallala, NE

2 step-daughters:
     Christy O'Hara (George M.) of Lakewood, CO
     Janice Larson (Douglas) of Lincoln, NE.

Four sons:
     Mat Mercer of Ft. Collins, CO
     Pat Mercer of Broomfield, CO
     Ty Mercer (Teri) of Platteville, CO
     Shawn Foster (Merrie) of Washington.

Two Brothers:
     Monte Mercer (Janice) of Julesburg, CO
     Dan Mercer (JoEllen) of Sun City, AZ

Sister-in-law:
     Ree Walker (Charles) of Ogallala, NE

Thirteen grandchildren:
     Tera Cumpston (Tony) of Kearney, NE
     Keira Cumpston (Cory) of Eddyville, NE
     Sara Johnson (Toby) of Kearney, NE
     Jennifer Edwards (James) of Littleton, CO
     G. Brian O'Hara of Virginia
     Carrie O'Hara of Lakewood, CO
     Valerie Steinwart of Grand Island, NE
     Julie Steinwart of Omaha, NE
     Shana Mercer of Platteville, CO
     Daniel Mercer of Platteville, CO
     Lucas Steinwart, Justin Steinwart, and Ryan Steinwart, all of Denver, CO

Also nine great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Special friends:

     Fabian, Kim, Alex, Aleigha, Babe and Don, Bob and Joan, Kelly and Jane, and his beloved pet Molly.

Visitation will be Monday, October 20, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Draucker Funeral Home.

Funeral Service will be Tuesday, October 21, at 10 a.m. at First United Methodist Church in Ogallala. Rev. James Miller will officiate.

A memorial has been established to the First United Methodist Church and the Ogallala Ambulance Squad.

Interment in the Ogallala Cemetery with military honors given by the Ogallala Veterans Organization. Lodge rites given by Elks Lodge #1760.