Robert L. Mercer, 70

EAST PALESTINE – Robert L. Mercer, 70, of 1779 N. Market St., died at 6:10 p.m. Monday at Hospice House in Poland, following a battle with leukemia.
He was born June 3, 1936 in Fairfield Township, Columbiana County, a son of Clarence O. and Ruth M. Gleason Mercer, and had lived in this area all of his life.
Mr. Mercer had been employed as a machine operator at Fairfield Machine in Columbiana for 10 years, retiring in 2001. Prior to that, he had been plant manager at United Canning Corporation in North Lima for several years.
Bob was a member of the New Waterford United Methodist Church, where he was very active and cared deeply for his church family.
He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Rachel A. Beiling, whom he married Oct. 17, 1958; three sons, Robert (Mary) Mercer Jr. of Salem, Richard (Robin) Mercer of East Palestine and Michael (Michele) Mercer of Austintown; two sisters, Ruth Helen Rime of Ellwood City, Pa., and June Feezle of Enon Valley, Pa.; two brothers, Guy Mercer of East Palestine and Dick Knowles of East Liverpool; and six grandchildren, Michael, Sarah, Rick, Mason, Austin and Courtney.
He was preceded in death by a brother, Harold Knowles.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday at the New Waterford United Methodist Church with the Rev. Mark D. Vincent officiating.
Friends may call from 3 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. on Thursday at the Van Dyke-Swaney Funeral Home in East Palestine, and one hour prior to the services at the church on Friday.
Memorial contributions may be made to either the East Palestine Library or the New Waterford United Methodist Church Building Fund.
Visit www.familycareservices.com to send condolences to the family.