Obituaries

Whitney Mercer

April 21st, 1928 – November 24th, 2014

Whitney O. Mercer, age 86 of Vermont, IL, passed away at 11:48 am Monday, November 24, 2014 at The Elms in Macomb, IL. He was born on April 21, 1928 in Galesburg, IL, a son of C.C. and Katherine (Whitney) Mercer. He married Muriel Rhoades. She preceded him in death.

He was also preceded in death by his brother, Dave Mercer.

Surviving are his daughter, Jeanette Walters of Astoria, IL, his son, Bruce (and Anita) Mercer of Vermont, IL, 4 grandchildren, Katy Smith, Josh (and Anna) Mercer, Adam (and Dawn) Mercer, and Brian (and Amy) Mercer, 1 step-grandson, Joe (and Laurie) Titus, 8 great-grandchildren; Lars Smith, Noah, Jonas, and Benjamin Mercer, Easton and Jamison Mercer, and Briley and Maximus Mercer, and his sister Martha Jane Miller of Vermont, IL

Whitney was the last "Ice-Man" in Vermont, delivering coal and ice to area residents. He worked at Ken-Ray Brass Foundry in Vermont for 22 years and last ran his own junk yard for 20 years.

He attended the Astoria Church of Christ.

Services will be held on Saturday, November 29, at 12 Noon at Shawgo Memorial Home in Astoria, IL. Pastor Tim Gilliland will officiate. Visitation will begin at 10 am on Saturday and continue until service time. Memorials may be given to the Vermont Fire Department. Cremation rites will be accorded following the service.

Condolences

November 25th, 2014

So sorry to hear that we loss Whit. Didn't no him well but he was good to my boys when they were working on their bikes. Rest in Peace Whit

November 27th, 2014

My heart goes out to Whit's family. He had a small camper set up close to our house out by Argyle lake, and when he would come out to spend the weekend it was always enjoyable, he enjoyed just sitting back and watching nature, and my late husband and Whit had worked together at Ken-Ray at one time so there were lots of stories. (((HUGS))) and prayers to his family now and in the days to come. Ann Hiland

November 29th, 2014

I fondly remember Whit sitting near the entrance to his junkyard, always chewing on the end of a cigar. He would tell us kids to go find whatever you need. It was never disappointing to visit with him. Years later, my wife ended up working with his daughter Jeanette and we relived those times. To Whit's family, you are in our thoughts and prayers.

June 11th, 2015

Whit was with my grandmother Muriel for many years. I will miss spending time with him (my grandfather also). I enjoyed his stories about the outdoors,and his his laugh mostly. He let nis beard grow and by the time we went back to pay a visit,only to be amazed,as he looked exactly like Santa Clause,nooo joke,and laughed like him too,as he is jolly himself,smoking his pipe,and wearing his big overalls. We WILL MISS HIM Dearly. He loved camping,so maybe he will follow us through our travels now. You are in our hearts,often in our thoughts. LOVE YOUR GRAND DAUGHTER BETTY MAE MEDINA AND MICAELA MEDINA,AND GREAT GRAND SONS ISAIAH BENNETT,AND JEFFREY BENNETT. OUR LOVE IS WITH YOU.

June 11th, 2015

My heart goes out to Whit (my grandfathers) family during this tragic time. Remember all the laughter,as he was jolly. God be with all of us during these times. They say time heals-I say no it is only time that passes,our memory is our passage to our life-long story only waiting for our exhale. From ours to yours. Betty Mae and family