Charles Dave Mercer, 71, of Fort Branch, IN. passed away on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2008 at his residence.

Charles Dave Mercer was born at Cottage Hospital in Galesburg, IL., June 17, 1937 to the late C.C. and Katherine (Whitney) Mercer of Vermont, IL.

He was a 1954 graduate of Vermont High School and received his B.S. Degree with an agriculture major and biology minor from Western Illinois University, Macomb, IL in 1959. He served in the U.S. Army from 1960-1962 and was stationed at Fort Hauchuca, AZ.

Dave and the former Elizabeth Ann Phipps were united in marriage in Fairview, IL, April 1967. She survives along with their three children and their spouses: Ara Beth (Theron) Nelson-Mercer, Kokomo, IN, Julia Ann (Terry) Glover, Boswell, IN., and Daniel Dave (Jana) Mercer, Fort Branch, IN. They also have seven grandchildren, Kerrick Gibbs, Benjamin, Jacob, and Lydia Ann Nelson-Mercer, Griffin, Ruth Ann, and Owen Charles Mercer. He is also survived by 1 sister, Martha Jane (Fred) Miller, and 1 brother, Whitney Mercer both of Vermont, IL, also several cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Dave was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church, Fort Branch and served on its board of trustees. He had farmed in the Vermont area for many years. In 1974 he went to work for the Amax Coal Co. Sunspot Mine as an electrician. When that mine closed he transferred to the Wabash Underground Mine at Keensburg, IL, retiring from there in 1996. He has served since 1978 a director of the Vermont State Bank Board. Dave has been a member of the Fort Branch Optimist Club since 1984, having served as president, Secretary, and Treasurer.

Services for Dave will be on Sunday Nov. 16, 2008, at 2:00 P.M. at the First Presbyterian Church in Fort Branch, with visitation from 4:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M., Saturday, Nov. 15, 2008, at the Stodghill Funeral Home located on Hwy. 168 West in Fort Branch.

Visitation will also be conducted at the Vermont Christian Church from 10:00 A.M. until 2:00 P.M. Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2008 with services at 2:00 P.M. that same day followed by burial in the Vermont Cemetery.