HARRY JOE MERCER

July 10, 1921 - Feb. 27, 2018

Harry Mercer, 96, of Tulare, CA passed away on Wednesday, February 27, 2018.

He was born July 10, 1921 in Missoula, MT and later married Gemma Beaubien Mercer on August 2, 1941 in Missoula, MT. Harry served in the Navy during World War II, and after the war was over he returned to Missoula with his wife Gemma. He went into the travel trailer business with his brothers, and was an avid fisherman. In midlife he and Gemma decided to move to El Centro, California. There Harry worked in economic development as a consultant for the city. He became very active in Navy League, helped to found the Imperial Valley Art Council, and created many beautiful paintings. When Harry retired, he and Gemma moved to Tulare, California to be closer to family. He painted, golfed, and joined the Brotherhood of Veterans. Harry and Gemma loved to travel, and enjoyed many happy adventures together in their motor home visiting family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 72 years, Gemma Beaubien Mercer; his parents, Gem and Lydia Mercer; brothers, Gerry Mercer and Gem Mercer; sisters, Lena Thomas, and Rita Nelson; grandchildren, Jonathan Mercer and Stephanie Cash.

He is survived by his children, Harry D. Mercer and wife Helen, Patrick G. Mercer and wife Marie, Valerie Herschede and husband Dean, John K. Mercer and wife Colleen, and Donna Carrillo and husband Carlos.

He is also survived by 10 grandchildren, Beth Mercer-Taylor (Peter), Joanna Greenwalt (Chuck), Christopher Mercer, Kathy Millis (Jeff), Kim Kraiter, Lily Mercer, Rose Mercer, Vicente Carrillo, Maria Carrillo, Adan Carrillo; 7 great-grandchildren, Andrew, MT and David Mercer-Taylor, Michael and Christopher Millis, and Zachary, Taelyr, and Gabrella Kraiter.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to AMVETS National Service Foundation, P.O. Box 96175, Washington DC 20090-617. (800)810-7148.

Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, March 10, 2018 at 11 a.m. at Miller’s Tulare Funeral Home.