Gregory Alan Mercer

Gregory Alan Mercer “Merce,” was born May 10th, 1955 in Kennewick, Washington to Earl and Norma Mercer. He was the third child with siblings Marilyn, Pete, Zoanne and Kelly.

Greg grew up in Spokane, Washington where he met the love of his life Evie. Upon graduation from North Central High School Greg joined the United States Navy in 1973. Greg and Evie were married in 1974 and started their military career in Ocean Beach California with duty stations to include Groton Connecticut, Vancouver Washington and Bangor Washington. They had three beautiful children Megan, Erin and Gregory. Greg served 21 years in the United States Navy and retired in 1994 as Machinist Mate Chief Senior Submarine Service, MMCS (SS) USN RET. In 1996 Greg graduated from Western Washington University with a bachelor’s degree in Human Services and began his civil service employment with the Department of Labor Veteran Affairs. Greg spent the next 23 years serving veterans before his final retirement in 2017.

Greg was passionate about his grandchildren Kai, Zoe, Owen, Bennett and Bodhi attending every swim meet, baseball game, concert and assembly being the biggest and loudest cheerleader in the stands.

Greg embraced the marriage of all three of his children and one grandchild adding Greg DeSmet, Mike Dumas, Laura Rudolph and Regan Miley as additional children of this own.

Greg and Evie’s love for one another was profound. Evie was his soul mate and their marriage, partnership and love for one another was an example to all.

Greg devoted his free time to his family, prioritizing family gathering, and perfecting many family meals. Greg gave his family the love of music creating play lists that span generations and developed his children into old souls.

Greg was challenged after retirement with a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s. Even during this long struggle Greg was passionate about his family and lit up with a smile every time he saw his tribe. Greg battled this horrible disease with the time and help of his sister Kelly, sister-in-law Moe and wife Evie who were able to keep him in his home until his passing on June 10th, 2024. Greg was preceded in death by parents Earl and Norma Mercer, and sister Marilyn McLaglan. Greg is survived by wife Evie Mercer, children Megan DeSmet (Greg, Kai and Zoe), Erin Dumas (Mike, Owen, Bennett and Bodhi), and Greg Mercer (Laura Rudolph), siblings Pete, Zoanne, and Kelly, and his loving granddogs.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association