Bobby Joe "Bob" Mercer

Bobby Joe "Bob" Mercer, 75, of Battle Creek died peacefully on Monday evening, April 15, 2013. He was born in White Plains, Alabama on September 22, 1937, the loving son of Joseph and Mertie (Batson) Mercer. Bob retired from State Farm Insurance in 1997 after 40 years of faithful service as an Underwriter.

Bob married the "Love of his life", Vada N. Miller in Mosherville, Michigan on November 22, 1958; she survives. He is also survived by his children, Carl Andrew "Andy" (Renee) Mercer of Battle Creek, Suzanne Lorraine (Louis) Sinclair of Minnesota, Rebecca Nadine "Becky" Russell of Marshall and Joseph Douglas "Doug" Mercer of Fenton; 9 grandchildren, Elise, Carlye, Ian, Megan, Corrin, Grant, Elliott, Benjamin, Emma, and several nieces and nephews. Bob was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Archie Mercer, and 2 sisters, Betty Jane Cofone and Sara Smith.

Bob was a former member of the Cereal City Lions Club, Toast Masters International and sang with the local Barber Shoppers. A true family man, he enjoyed family reunions and spending time as a family, playing sports with the kids, and was always known to enjoy a big hug and "kissing the girls". Bob also enjoyed fishing, playing poker, bowling, dancing, traveling, listening to the New York Yankee games on the radio and always looked forward for his time to "sit & spit."

A memorial visitation will be held 2:00 to 3:00 p.m., Monday, April 22, 2013 at the Farley-Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home where a memorial service to celebrate Bob's life will be held at 3:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials directed to the Huntington's Disease Society of America, would be appreciated. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.