Jacksonville, Florida - Robert "Lee" Mercer, 96, of Jacksonville, FL, went to be with the Lord on November 9, 2020. Lee was born to Walter and Marie Mercer (Davis) on December 20, 1923, in Sherwin, KS. He graduated from Columbus High School in 1942 and joined the US Army in October 1942 where he was a corporal during World War II stationed in Wichita Falls, TX.

Lee married Velda "Vicky" Lovelady on April 23, 1943, and they had three sons, Gary, Terry and Raymond. They raised their sons on a farm in Columbus, KS. After the war, Lee worked in the mines in Picher, OK, the Spencer Chemical plant in Crestline, KS, and was a farmer from which he retired in 1985. After retirement he enjoyed traveling, fishing and playing cards. In May of 2019, he moved to Florida to live with his grandson and enjoy the sunshine.

Lee was preceded in death by his wife, Vicky, of 47 years; his parents, Walter and Marie; two brothers, Ralph and Carl; three sisters, May, Opal and Mary Louise; his sons, Gary and Terry; one grandson; one great-grandson; and his later in life companion of 27 years, Roberta Simpson.

He is survived by his son, Raymond Mercer and daughter-in-law, Tammy, of New Port Richey, FL; daughter-in-law, Martha Mercer, of Edna, KS; nine grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.

Graveside services will be at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, November 14, 2020, at Park Cemetery, Columbus, KS, handled by Derfelt Funeral Home in Columbus.