John Mercer

John Mercer was born on May 23, 1948, in Chicago, Illinois, to parents John and Dorothy Mercer. He grew up in Wayne, Illinois, just outside of Chicago, and was the eldest of two children.

John attended Brewster Academy, graduating in 1967. A natural-born athlete, he played football, squash, swimming and diving, skiing, baseball, tennis, and basketball. Known for his loyalty and humor, John was surrounded by friends and often found amongst a pack of neighborhood kids. He also cherished fishing as his favorite solitary pastime.

Following high school, John attended Colorado State University, where he earned his degree in anthropology and sociology in 1974. He was known for his sharp wit, sarcasm, and outgoing personality. John continued to enjoy athletics until the age of 29, when he was disabled after battling encephalitis and being diagnosed with acute multiple sclerosis.

In June of 1968, John married Linda Lawson in Fort Collins, Colorado. The two met at CSU and remained devoted to one another until Linda’s passing in 2011. An avid equestrian, Linda introduced John to horseback riding after his illness. Together, they spent over 30 years raising horses and exploring mountain trails—through his horses, John found his legs again.

A proud Navy man, John and Linda were active members of the American Legion Post 4 in LaPorte, Colorado, where they formed many lasting and cherished friendships.

John is survived by his sister, Lucia Mercer of Harper’s Ferry, West Virginia, and his sister in law, Shelley Davidson of Fruita, Colorado.

John will be remembered for his strength, humor, and enduring spirit—a man who faced life’s challenges with courage and grace.