Steve A. Mercer, 71, of rural Argonia, passed away Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023, at his residence.

He was born Oct. 15, 1952, in Wellington to Vern Wise Mercer and Josephine (Sneeringer) Mercer.

Steve grew up on the family farm southwest of Conway Springs. His entrepreneurial spirit was evident at a young age. When the school bus deposited him at Conway Springs Elementary School in the morning, Steve would dash down to the main street grocery where he’d buy packs of chewing gum, returning to school before the start of class. At recess, Steve sold the gum at quite a profit – until the principal caught him and put an end to his playground business scheme.

Steve’s father, Vern, passed away when Steve was only 13, leaving him and his brother Dick to run the family farm. In high school, Steve bought one of the area’s first gooseneck trailers, hauling cattle to and from the stockyards. While tending to the family farm, Steve also played high school football, helping to take the team to the state championship in 1969. He graduated from Conway Springs High School with the class of 1970.

Steve was united in marriage to Joyce Ann Page on Aug. 14, 1971, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Conway Springs. Four children were born to this union. The family made their home midway between Conway Springs and Argonia, where they built a dairy, operating it along with a farm for decades. Even on Steve’s busiest days, he always made time to share a joke or story with family, friends, and neighbors.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Joan Mercer.

He is survived by one son, Kevin Mercer of Argonia; three daughters, Michelle Mercer (husband Marc Neihof) of Colorado Springs, Colo., Jennifer Bolinger (James) of Mulvane, and Carrie Mercer of Winfield; one brother, Dick Mercer (Debbie) of Conway Springs; one sister, Brenda Kline (Marvin) of Milan; six grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and a number of other relatives and friends.

A memorial graveside service will be conducted at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 20, in Milan Cemetery, Milan, with Pastor Mike Justice of the First Baptist Church, Milton, officiating. Inurnment will follow in Milan Cemetery, Milan.

Arrangements are by Ebersole Mortuary, Conway Springs. Online guest book and condolences are available at www.ebersolemortuary.com.

A memorial has been established with the Conway Springs Fire Department.