ARKADELPHIA — George “Dutch” Mertens

died peacefully in his sleep at home Sunday,

March 17, 2024, at age 97. He was born in DeValls Bluff, Ark., on March 12,

1927.

He was predeceased by the love of his life,

Nora Sue Mertens (nee House); his brother, Hugh Joseph (Buddy) Mertens; and his sisters, Mary Ellen Lloyd and Dixie Bowers.

George is survived by his two children, Tommy Mertens (Karen) and Jo Beth Mertens (Bill Page); his two grandchildren, Dillion Mertens (Lauren) and Noah Page; his brother, Donnie Mertens (Linda); three nieces; one nephew; and many cousins.

George joined the Coast Guard in 1945 and served in the South Pacific. He spent most of his working life with the telephone company, first as a lineman and then an installer repairman. He and Sue made Arkadelphia their home in 1961, where they raised their children and built their lives.

George loved to tell stories, and he had friends of all ages. Always generous with his time and talents, he was blessed with neighbors and friends who cared about him and who he loved. He was a doting grandfather and a loving father. He was lucky to live a long and full life. He will be sorely missed.

Funeral services will be held at the Smith Family Funeral Home-Ruggles Wilcox Chapel in Arkadelphia on Friday March 22, 2024, with visitation at 1 p.m. and funeral service to follow at 2 p.m., with a short graveside service to follow at Rest Haven Memorial Gardens in Arkadelphia.

Arrangements are entrusted to Smith Family Funeral Home-Arkadelphia, 517 Clay Street, Arkadelphia, Ark. 71923. www.smithfamilycares.com