John Nathan Mercer

John Nathan Mercer, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend to many, passed away at his home in Hiddenite, North Carolina on Saturday morning, April 27, 2024. He was born on November 14, 1946, in Annapolis, Maryland to Retired Naval Captain Willoughby Mercer and Grace Harvey Mercer.

Family was everything to him, and he leaves behind a legacy of love and memories for us to remember him by…

John was proceeded in death by his parents Retired Naval Captain Willoughby Mercer and Grace Harvey Mercer, and one grandson Tyson Singelstad.

John is survived by his loving wife Barbara Ann Mercer who he was married to for thirty-three wonderful years. They were sealed to their daughter Margarette in the LDS temple for all time and eternity in San Diego, California. They had five children between the two of them and eleven grandchildren. A son John Harry Mercer and wife Shea with their three children Landon, Emerson, and Annie of Memphis, Tennessee; daughter Margarette Mercer Wheelwright and husband Matthew of Salt Lake City, Utah with their combined six children Natassja Giles and Husband Ryan of Pleasant Grove, Utah; William Patrick Lindsay of Taylorsville, North Carolina and four step grandchildren. Cyrus DeVere and wife Julie, and their two children Christopher and Chloe of Park City, Utah; Richard Singelstad of Taylorsville, North Carolina and two sons Eric and Ryan; Chris Singelstad of Portland, Oregon and son Chandler.

He is also survived by his five siblings; Grace Conrad Littlefield and her husband Gary of Wells, ME; Thomas A. Mercer and his wife Becky of Coronado, CA; Dr. Robert A. Mercer and his wife Imera of Colorado Springs, CO., Keith A. Mercer, and his wife Jean of Kearney, MO; and Susan Mercer Hockenmaier and her husband Pete of Ventura, CA.

John served his country in the Military Branch of the Army where he served two tours in Vietnam where he earned a Bronze Star. After serving in the Army as a Sergeant he worked as a Sheet Metal Mechanic/CAD Operator/Draftsman for NASSCO in San Diego, California before relocating to Hiddenite North Carolina in 1997 where he worked until full retirement at Alexander County Men’s Correctional Institution. John was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints of Hickory.

Throughout his life John had an unwavering love for his country, family, and anything outdoors. He loved spending time chasing trains, geocaching, ham radios, serving in church, enjoyed spending time with family, and especially his daily phone calls from Natassja & Patrick. In recent times John's health began to decline but this did not diminish the joy that came from being surrounded by those who loved him most. Patrick chose to move back to North Carolina from Utah so that he could spend more time caring for his grandparents during the last year and a half of his life. This meant everything to John who always made himself available when anyone needed someone willing to listen or offer advice. His sense of humor was infectious and his laugh unforgettable. We will never forget his Donald Duck talk that made all of us laugh for more as we grew up listening to it. John lived life according to principle, integrity, and honesty. He led by example showing Christ-like love service his motto "joyfully useful" was evident in how he lived life. He was the patriarch of our family, was always there for us, loving and encouraging us to be our best!

The loss will be deeply felt by all who knew him, but we take comfort knowing that John leaves behind an enduring legacy built upon love, loyalty, kindness, compassion, and selflessness.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the National Leage of POW/MIA Families, 5673 Columbia Pike, Suite 100, Falls Church, VA 22041

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Alexander Funeral and Cremation Service.