Kenneth F. Mercer

Kenneth F. Mercer, 71, of Sullivan, Missouri, passed away peacefully, at his home, surrounded by his loving family, Tuesday, April 6, 2021.

Kenneth Fred Mercer was born in Clayton, Missouri, December 5, 1949, to Chester and Esther (Swearingen) Mercer. He grew up and attended school in the Valley Park and Mountain Grove area. At age 17, Kenneth enlisted into the United States Navy, where he honorably served our country for four years. In 1970, while serving upon the USS Laffey, he met the love of his life, Lou, in Floriana, Malta. They were united in marriage one year later, on June 24, 1971. This year would have been their 50th wedding anniversary. Together, they were blessed with one daughter, Julie. 

After his time in the service, Kenneth and Lou moved back to Sullivan for some time, before moving to Texas and then Utah. In 1994, they made their final home in Sullivan. Kenneth was a roofing contractor for the majority of his working career and eventually owned his own business, Ken’s Roofing. 

Kenneth was known to be a very generous, loving man. He was often called “everyone’s dad”. Kenneth was good to a fault and would many times go without for someone else. He was an overcomer against many different obstacles that life threw his way.

Kenneth enjoyed spending his time outdoors; metal detecting, fishing, hunting, numismatics and camping. He was also blessed with being very creative and enjoyed oil painting, woodworking and metalcraft. He will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered by many. 

Kenneth is survived by his loving wife, Lou, of Sullivan, MO; a daughter, Julie Sanford and husband, Josh, of Sullivan, MO; five grandchildren: Devon Mercer, Kassidy Taylor, Caitlin Enke (Taylor), Preston Taylor and Brennan Taylor; four brothers: Donald Mercer of Sullivan, MO, Chester Ray Mercer of Cuba, MO, Edward Shelton of Marshfield, MO, and John Shelton of Marshfield, MO; as well as other relatives and many friends. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Chester and Esther Mercer; and three siblings: William Mercer, Brenda Singer and Arthur Mercer. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Wounded Warrior Project. 

Funeral Services for Kenneth were held 2 p.m., Monday, April 12, 2021 at the Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan. Interment will follow in Reedville Cemetery, with full military honors. 

Visitation was 12 p.m. to 2 p.m., Monday, April 12, 2021, prior to the service at Eaton Funeral Home. 

Friends may send their online condolences to Kenneth’s family at www.eatonfuneralhome.com.

All arrangements were under the care of the Eaton Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Sullivan.