Robert C. (Bob) Mercer, 83, of Conway Springs, passed away Sunday, Nov. 12, 2023, at Spring View Manor, Conway Springs.

Bob was born Dec. 10, 1939, southwest of Conway Springs to Ralph Virgil Mercer and Mary Elsie (McGee) Mercer. He moved with his family to the Mercer family farm at the age of 2. He attended the Argonia public schools and graduated from Argonia High School with the class of 1957. He continued his education at Friends University in Wichita.

Bob met Rosalia “Sally” Becker as both were members of the 4-H club. He later would take her home on his Cushman Scooter as a first date following a meeting. The two were wed on Feb. 27, 1960, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Conway Springs, and were later blessed with four children. The couple made their first home on a farm near Argonia. They lived a short time in Kansas City before moving to Conway Springs in 1965. They purchased their current home, that was formerly located in Wichita, and moved it to Conway Springs in 1969.

Bob worked several jobs before becoming a long-time employee at Learjet in Wichita in 1974. He also had his own local trenching business, raised emus and was a Wichita Eagle newspaper carrier for 17 years.

Bob was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Conway Springs. He was very active in the Knights of Columbus as a 4th degree knight and served many years as treasurer.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Virgil Mercer; one sister ,Verna Brundage; and a great-grandson, Jonah Cooper.

Bob is survived by his wife of 63 years, Sally Mercer; children, Roberta Shannon (Larry) of Conway Springs, Robin Luckner (Blaine) of Conway Springs, Rex Mercer (Jimmie Jean) of Wichita, Robert Mercer (Melonda) of St. John, Kan.; 18 grandchildren, Jay Billups (Aspen), Jania Billups, Jessica Clutter (Chris), Jason Luckner (Becca), Justin Luckner, Breann Tilley (Ethan), Bridget Hale (Andrew), Evan Luckner (Sara), Damian Mercer (Jessi), Dominic Mercer (Kaylee), Duncan Mercer (Dakota), Danica Trifiletti (Anthony), Donovan Mercer, Derica Mercer, Danaily Mercer, Dace Mercer (Laura), Audry Cornell (Brandon), and Luke Mercer (Kristen); 23 great-grandchildren; and a number of other relatives and friends.

Rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 16, and funeral Mass will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, both at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Conway Springs. Interment will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery. Arrangements are by Ebersole Mortuary, Conway Springs. Online condolences and guest book are available www.ebersolemortuary.com.

Memorials have been established with St. Joseph Catholic School and the Conway Springs Fire Department.