DUNMOR – Connis H. Mercer, 97, of Penrod, died Friday, May 23, 2025 at Baptist Health Deaconess Madisonville Hospital. Born on September 17, 1927 in Bevier, Muhlenberg County. He volunteered when he was of age and entered the Army/Air Force.
During his time in the Air Force, he learned to fly and began his love of flying. After serving in the Air Force, he moved briefly to Chicago for work. One day, while working on his car in front of his apartment, he spotted a young lady walking into work. He then asked his landlord who she was. After learning her name (Dora), he told his landlord he was going to marry her. After bribing her younger brother with five dollars to introduce him, he did just that, and their marriage lasted for 72 years until the time of his passing. Mr. Mercer was a local 40 boilermaker by trade. He retired from TVA after 28 years as maintenance supervisor of coal handling. Throughout his life, he enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was one of a handful of men who purchased the old Spring Ridge School and turned it into the Muhlenberg County Coon Hunters Club. Years later, it was donated to Muhlenberg County to place at Paradise Park where it still stands today. During his retirement he enjoyed spending time with his wife and watching his two grandsons grow up. He spent countless hours hunting, fishing, and 4-wheeling with them around his farm. He found enjoyment in attending all their sporting events. He spent most of his time on the farm he loved.
It was hard getting him off the farm unless it involved his grandsons. Mr. Mercer was preceded in death by his parents whom he lost when he was 14 years old, fifteen days apart, James Esker and Helen Ruth Mercer. His brothers, Donald Mercer, Harley Fred Mercer, and Cyral Mercer. His sisters, Lydia Pearl Smith and Zolpha Rager.
Survivors include his wife of 72 years, Dora McClain Mercer; son, Ray “Jet” (Lisa) Mercer; daughter, Melody (Ray) Vaught; grandsons, Cody Alison) Mercer and Dylan (Madison Fields) Mercer; and his great granddaughters in which he loved dearly, Jade Mercer, Campsyn Mercer, Addy Prow. Mr. Mercer also had a special brother-in-law, Tom McClain, who as a child took a five-dollar bribe to introduce him to his sister, Dora. And the story began.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, May 29, 2025 at 1:00 PM at Tucker Funeral Home in Central City with Bro. Roy Day officiating. Boilermaker rights will be presented prior to service.
Burial will follow in Rose Hill Cemetery in Central City. Visitation will be held Thursday, May 29, 2025 beginning at 10:00 AM at the funeral home. Online condolences can be made at www.tuckerfuneralhomes.com.
