Donald E. “Merc” Mercer passed away on Thursday, February 1, 2024 at Highland Park Care Center in Alliance. He was 91.
He was born April 9, 1932 at Devils Lake, North Dakota to Leslie and Sarah (Ackerman) Mercer. He farmed with his dad during his high school years and before entering the service. He enlisted in the U.S. Army on February 11, 1954 and was honorably discharged on February 10, 1956. He then entered Army Reserve for a total of 8 years of service. He was an over 50 year member of the American Legion in Chadron.
Don was married to Myrtle Swanson and they had two sons, Howard and David. They would later divorce. On December 28, 1967 he was united in marriage to Treva (Kirkpatrick) Daugherty. Don worked in a variety of fields including custom combining for many years, over the road truck driver; he worked for Chief Industries in Grand Island for 10 years and also sold insurance. With his wife Treva they owned and operated an ice cream shop in Kearney for many years. He and Treva returned to Alliance in 1992 and operated their farm north of Alliance. Don truly enjoyed flying his airplane as well as farming, raising cattle and fixing things on the farm.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Treva, his sons, Howard and David and his sister, Doris Poswinski.
He is survived by his brother and sister-in-law, , John and Lois Mercer of Lakota, ND, his step-son, Jim Daugherty of Overland Park, KS and his cousin, Alice and Mark Walker of Stillwater, MN.
Graveside service will be Tuesday, February 13 at 2:00 p.m. at the Alliance Cemetery. Reverend Russ Seger will officiate. Memorials may be given to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Online condolences may be left at www.batesgould.com with Bates-Gould Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.