Donald A. Mercer

Born on July 14, 1922 in Saratoga Springs, he was the son of the late Thomas Elwood and Hazel Belle (Farrington) Mercer and was a lifelong resident. He was a 1941 graduate with a Regents diploma from Saratoga Springs High School and a US Army veteran of World War II, serving as a Sergeant with D Company, 155th Infantry, 31st Division. He was a recipient of the Good Conduct medal and a combat infantry badge. Among other offices, he served as a Deacon of the First Baptist Church of Saratoga Springs. He served on the Board of Directors of the Baptist Health System Foundation. Don was a former 10 year member of the city's Board of Education, serving two terms as president. He served on the Advisory Council Urban Cultural Park Visitors Center, the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation and was a member of the Board of Directors of the Saratoga YMCA. He was a member of the West Side Neighborhood Association and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

Survivors include two sons, Thomas (and his wife Meredith) Mercer of Slingerlands and Douglas Mercer of Massachusetts; one granddaughter, Margot Mercer of Slingerlands; one niece, Gail Kelly of Saratoga Springs and one nephew, Jeffrey Smith of Wyoming.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his wife, Helen M. (Schermerhorn) Mercer, who died on Dec. 13, 1988; three sisters, Gertrude Kelly, Adeline Smith and Ruth Walker and one brother, John Mercer.

Relatives and friends may call from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. today, Friday, Jan. 2, 2009 at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway in Saratoga Springs.

Burial with military honors will be in the family plot at Greenridge Cemetery, Lincoln Avenue in Saratoga Springs in the spring on a date to be announced.

Memorials may be made in his name to the American Red Cross, PO Box 4002018, Des Moines, IA 50340-2018.