ARKADELPHIA — William F. (Bill) Mertins, Sr.,

age 89, of Arkadelphia passed away peacefully on Friday, February 19th holding the hand of his wife of 36 years, Ruby Doherty Mertins. He was born in New York City, NY to William August Mertins and Christine Besch Mertins and had one sister, Dorothy Mertins Baldsiefen.

Bill graduated high school from PS1 in NYC and college from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) with a degree in Metallurgical Engineering. Bill was a member of Delta Phi fraternity. After graduating from college he married his wife of 30 years, Shelia Abbott Mertins, and served in the Navy as an officer for four years in San Diego and Japan. He had a long career with Reynolds Metals Company, taking his family around the country before finally settling in Arkadelphia in 1971. After retiring from Reynolds, he joined LTV Aerospace before retiring again.

Bill was a dedicated member of the Lions Club for 65 years and a very active member of First Presbyterian Church for 50 years.

Bill was predeceased by his parents, sister, and wife, Shelia. Bill is survived by his wife, Ruby, three sons, David W. Mertins, Sr. (wife Linda) of Houston TX, Garry A. Mertins (husband J. Dyke) of Little Rock, and William F. Mertins, Jr. (wife Allyson) of Fayetteville, and step-daughter, Dee Hargis of Arkadelphia, along with 9 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.

Due to COVID-19, a private family service and burial will be held. For online condolences, please visit www.smithfamilycares.com. Final resting place will be Rest Haven Memorial Gardens in Arkadelphia. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Arkadelphia Lions Club, the Humane Society of Clark County or a charity of your choice.