Clarence "Bill" Mercer's Obituary
Mr. Clarence (Bill) Claren Mercer, age 73, went to be with his beloved wife Carolanne on Sunday, March 19, 2006. Bill loved life, nature, animals, and most of all spending time with his family and friends. Bill was born in Edmore, MI to Arthur and Ethel Mercer on March 22, 1932. He served in the 82nd Airborne as a Green Beret. He worked at Brunswick Corporation for 30 years, then at Grand Transformer and for Amstore before stubbornly retiring just five years ago. Bill loved to help the community and volunteered for Ambucs and for the Twisting Trails Snowmobile Club where he was affectionately known as “Pops.” Bill is survived by his children Sheryl (Barry) Swainston of Muskegon, Tamela (Kent) Norwood of Muskegon, Ken (Suzanne) Kampenga of West Olive, Kathy West of Scottsdale, AZ, Christopher (Lorie) Mercer of Cincinnati, OH, and Karen (Curt) Alphenaar of Muskegon. Bill is also survived by his brothers and sisters, Ina (James) Bell of Baldwin, MI, Arden (Gene) Mercer of Ravenna, MI, Kathryn (Frank) Pulsipher of California, Donald (Sue) Mercer of Twin Lake, MI, and Mike (Debbie) Mercer of Sparta, MI, and his brother-in-law Ted Maitland and his brother and sister-in-law Wayne and Patricia Overly, many nieces and nephews, and his close friend Bob Versaw. He has given “moochies” to his 17 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Carolanne; two sons, Richard and Ronald; his mother and father; sisters, Donna Stevens and Grace Maitland; mother and father-in-law, Frank and Eleanor Overly. VISITATION at Sytsema Funeral Homes, 737 Apple Ave., (231) 726-5210 will be from 3-5 & 7-9 PM Tuesday. Services will be 11:00 AM Wednesday at Community United Methodist Church. You may sign the On-line Guest Book at www.sytsemafh.com. Memorials: Hospice of Muskegon/Oceana, or Pound Buddies.
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