Max Leroy Mercer, age 96, of Salem, passed away at Helia Healthcare in Salem.
Max was born February 8, 1929, in Salem, Illinois, the son of Denard R. and Lucy L. (Luttrell) Mercer. He married Dorothy Amy Heyduck on April 22, 1964, at the First Christian Church in Salem, and she survives.
In addition to hi wife; he is survived by brother-in-law Vernace Heyduck, Salem; and nieces and nephews Vickie Klopmeier, Patty Wilkins, Nancy Gaston, Michael See, Cathy Krutsinger, Karen Lydick, Janet Grieme, and Russell McCulley.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters: Dorothy McCulley, Verma Del Helm, Gladys Kline, and Ann See; brothers-in-law: John William McCulley, John Howard Helm, Charles Kline, Frederic See, Raymond Heyduck, and Dwight Heyduck; sisters-in-law: Velma Finn and Irene Heyduck, and niece, Lila McCulley.
Max learned the carpenter trade from his dad and, for most of his life, was self-employed. In his younger years, he worked for Depew and Owen Contractors in Centralia.
He was a dedicated member of the First Baptist Church of Centralia and a former member of the First Christian Church in Salem. As a local musician, he was a member of the First Baptist Church Quartet and, in his younger years, the “Knights of Rhythm” band. He loved playing his saxophone, clarinet and singing gospel music.
Graveside services for Max Mercer will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, at Paradise Cemetery in Salem, with Eric Price officiating. A time of visitation will be held for family and friends on Tuesday from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the Crouse Funeral Home in Salem, who has been entrusted with the family’s care. Online condolences and memories can be left at www.CrouseFH.com.
