Funeral services for Robert C. Mercier will be held Friday, Dec. 6 at Burley Funeral Chapel at 1 p.m. Military honors will follow under the auspices of the NAS Whidbey Island Honor Guard. Prior to the memorial, there will be viewing from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Cremation will be held with burial at sea provided by the U.S. Navy.

Robert Craig Mercier, 64, died Dec. 2, 2002, at his home in Oak Harbor. He was born June 18, 1938, in Bay City, Mich., to Joseph William and Loretta Christina Paula (Schroeder) Mercier. He attended Michigan Lutheran Seminary in Saginaw, Mich., graduating valedictorian of his class.

Bob enlisted in the U. S. Navy in 1957. He left the Navy for a time in the mid 1960s and worked for Dow Chemical Company, but returned to the Navy. He was married to Bonnie C. Meador on Oct. 9, 1967, in Bluefield, Va.

Bob’s return to the Navy took him to Sanford, Fla., on to Heavy 10 in Georgia and A School in Memphis, Tenn. He was sent to Whidbey Island in 1969 and assigned to VA-95. He was transferred to VAQ-137, AIMD, VAQ-130 and NAMTRADET. During his active duty time Bob also operated B&B CB Sales and Service in Oak Harbor, as well as a reserve police officer with the Oak Harbor Police Department, achieving the rank of sergeant. Bob retired from the Navy in 1987 as an ATCS (E-8).

Following retirement, Bob worked for the Allen Corporation, a defense contractor at NAS Whidbey Island. He eventually went on to work for B.F. Goodrich Aerospace at their Everett modifications facility, where he remained for over 13 years. His failing health forced his retirement as an avionics supervisor.

Mr. Mercier was an active member of the Retired Chief Petty Officers Association, as well as serving a time as president. He was also an active participant of the Canadian Naval Veterans Association.

Bob is survived by his wife Bonnie at the family home, Oak Harbor; by three children: Kelly Sotelo of Yakima; Richard Mercier of Kennewick; and Michelle and Donovan Harris of Lemoore, Calif. He is also survived by one brother William Mercier and his wife Priscilla of Portage, Mich., and one sister Jeanne Alcorn and husband Hawley of Bay City, Mich. Three grandchildren: Joshua Andrew, Elijah and Daniel also survive.

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society. Arrangements by Burley Funeral Chapel. This obituary is at http://burley.plan4ever.com.