Robert A. "Trapper" Mercer

Robert A. “Trapper” Mercer, Sr., 68, of Topeka passed away at home with his family Sun. August 19, 2007 after a short battle with cancer. He was born June 1, 1939 in Shattuck, OK, the son of John H. and Callie Mae McRee Mercer. Bob joined the Air Force in 1956 at the age of 17, serving in Korea, North Africa, Japan and three tours in Vietnam. He spent the last two years as a USAF recruiter in Wichita before retiring in 1976 as a Senior Master Sergeant. Bob began his military career as an electronic specialist, working on F-4 fighter jets and maintaining electronic automatic pilot systems. Upon retirement he completed his education at Washburn University with an Associate Degree in Computer Science. He then began his second career of 17 years with Seymour Foods, Inc., traveling the world installing electronic equipment as an electrical engineer. Upon retiring from Seymour Foods, Bob worked for the Meriden U.S. Post Office and then Burlington Northern Santa Fe as an electrical engineer. Bob was a founding member of Mother Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Church, a lifetime member and Past Commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Meriden Memorial Post 10815, a member of the Eagles Lodge, Air Force Sergeants Association, American Legion Post 400, former Alfred Neese Mason, and former Masonic President of the Disabled American Veterans. Bob spent many hours with his family and closest friends enjoying his favorite pastimes including shuffleboard, horses, playing cards, dancing, farming and attending VFW and his grandchildren’s events. In Bob’s final hours he spoke of his family’s commitment to him during his battle with cancer. He will be greatly missed by his many nieces, nephews, brothers and sisters-in-law. Bob and Barbara were married on August 23, 1958 in Novato, CA. She survives. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Wayne “Shorty” Tusing, Billy Ray, Wesley Tusing and Hice Mercer. Other survivors include three sons, Mark (Shelli), Robert, Jr. (Rebecca), Chris (Kristi); daughter Elizabeth; nine grandchildren: Joseph, Stuart, Jordan, Madison, Trisha, Evan, Colton, Braedon and soon to be Kadon, all of Topeka, as well as his twin sister, Vera Clark of Linden, TX; brothers James Mercer of Modesto, CA and Johnny Tusing of Colo. Spr., Colo.; longtime friend and sidekick Terry Cohee, Frank Cohee; sisters-in-law, Mary W. Thomasson and Betty J. Anderson. Bob will lie in state from 5 to 8 pm Wed., Aug. 22 at Mater Dei Assumption Catholic Church with a parish Rosary beginning at 6:00 pm. In observance of their 49th wedding anniversary there will be no services on Thursday. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 am Fri., Aug. 24 at Mater Dei Assumption Church with burial to follow in Prairie Home Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Mother Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Church and sent in care of the Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Rd., Topeka, KS 66614.

Robert A. "Trapper" Mercer

June 1, 1939 - August 22, 2007