Ronald C. Mercer

Ronald C. “Ronnie” Mercer, 87, a resident of Bowerston, Ohio, for most of his life, passed away on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at The Gables of Westerville, following a long period of declining health. Born April 29, 1939 in Harrison County, Ohio, he was a son of the late Harry Leroy and Margaret Edith (née Hennen) Mercer.

After his 1957 graduation from Scio High School, Ronald proudly served his country in the U. S. Marine Corps from 1957 to 1960, achieving the rank of Corporal before his honorable discharge. He also played football for one year during his time in the Marines. Upon returning home, he spent five years driving for Ed Gallagher Trucking in Bowerston, before training to be a welder at Lincoln Electric in Cleveland which prepared him for a job at Gradall in New Philadelphia. His final position was at R & F Coal where he continued until his retirement.

A man of many and varied interests, he enjoyed everything from knife throwing and archery to motocross, as well as being a private pilot and a flight instructor for small aircraft. Physical fitness was an important part of his life, and he devoted much time and energy to weightlifting, exercising, and studying Tae Kwon Do. Always an outdoorsman, he loved spending time in nature any time he could – including when he went hunting or cycling, one of his favorite pursuits. Ronald was also a longtime devotee and volunteer with The Conotton Creek Trail. He had attended Bowerston Trinity Methodist Church and Roxford Methodist Church for many years before moving to Westerville two years ago.

On September 25, 1960, Ronald married the former Twila Marie Bower with whom he enjoyed 61 years of marriage until her passing on November 20, 2021. They are survived by their daughters, Cindy (Dean) Gladura and Sharon (Gary) Varney; grandchildren, Josh (Lindsey) Gladura, Matt Gladura, Samantha Varney, and Addison Varney; and great-granddaughter, Josie. Ronald’s surviving family is completed by his siblings, Leroy Mercer and Ruth Ann Miley, as well as a number of nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister and brother-in-law, Louise and Fred Battles.

Services, officiated by Pastor Jim Manbeck, will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, May 25, at the R. K. Lindsey Funeral Home in Dennison, Ohio where his family will receive callers from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Monday, prior to the service. He will be interred, along with his late wife, in Longview Cemetery in Bowerston on a future date. Those wishing to honor his memory by a charitable contribution are encouraged to do so to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.