EAST LIVERPOOL, OHIO – Homer Mercer passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, September 4, 2024. Born October 11, 1926, on his family's farm near New Martinsville, WV, Homer was the oldest of 10 children. He attended a one room schoolhouse, riding a horse drawn buggy to get there. He left high school at age 17 to join the United States Navy where he served in the Pacific Theater during World War II. Following the war, he moved north and began working at Homer Laughlin China Company where he met his future bride, Phyllis. The two married on January 11, 1946, and made their home in East Liverpool, Ohio.

Homer is survived by Phyllis, his son Joe (Karen), their sons, John (Suzanne) and Mike. He is

also survived by six great grandchildren, Katlyn (Jimmy), Michael, Jojo, Morgan (TJ), Ethan and

Jude Mercer. Also left to cherish his memory are great-great grandchildren, Mikaela, Emma,

Alice, Colson, and Bryson as well as many nieces and nephews. He was the one to always bring

treats to the kids, entertain or hold a sleeping or crying baby with infinite patience. Homer took

John and Mike on numerous summer vacations touring the United States from coast to coast. He

loved his family deeply.

Homer worked at Crucible Steel in Midland, PA for 32 years. He also worked at Handy Sales

and Service on the side until just a few years ago. Following his retirement from Crucible, he

worked at Potters Bank & Trust, owned and operated Wellsville Appliance in the 1960s, and later Dresden Drive Thru and was part-owner of Heimie's /All Sports. Finally, he worked in

maintenance for East Liverpool City Schools into his 90s. He was active in the community serving on East Liverpool City Council, as City Treasurer and volunteered with many organizations over the years. Homer was a member of VFW Post 4 in East Liverpool and East Liverpool Masonic Lodge #681. He was an active member of First Baptist Church serving in several volunteer capacities until its closure.

Homer was a fixture of East Liverpool High School sports holding the same season tickets for

football and basketball games for decades. He could also be found cheering for his grandchildren

at their games as often as he could from little league through high school. He rarely sat still,

tending to his garden, or working around the house. He could be counted on for his enthusiastic

help with any project big or small. He will be greatly missed.

Homer was preceded in death by his parents, John and Iva and his siblings, James, Freda, Cora,

Grace, Elsie (Elaine), Sadie, Brady, Esta, John, Steven and Elizabeth.

Family and friends may visit at the Dawson Funeral Home on Monday where the family will be

present from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Evangelist Will Montgomery of St. Clair Avenue Church of Christ will conduct a service at the Funeral Home on Monday at 1 p.m. Burial at Riverview Cemetery.

Immediately following the service, the family will gather at the Dawson Family Center for a time of fellowship.