Larry Merle Mercer

Larry Merle Mercer (70) went home with Jesus on Thursday, October 24, 2024, in Midland Texas after a two-year battle with cancer. He was born on November 23, 1953 in Pampa, Texas, to Merle Loyde Mercer and Callie Neoma Burgett Mercer, and was the younger brother to Vicki and at age 5 became big brother to Nancy.
Larry grew up in Skellytown, Texas where he attended elementary school through 8th grade then attended and graduated from White Deer High School in 1972. He was active in FFA, basketball, football, track and was chosen FHA beau his senior year.

Many important memories and milestones marked Larry’s high school years. In the spring of his junior year, Larry’s father died at age 47 from cancer. For Larry this event was life-changing and impactful till the day he died. But God in His faithfulness placed a wonderful VoAg teacher, Mr. R.T. Laurie, in Larry’s life who served as a mentor and friend throughout his senior year.
Worshiping and knowing Jesus has always been at the center of Larry’s life. He was raised by a loving Christian mother and father who set wonderful examples. Larry was baptized at a young age at First Baptist Church in Skellytown, and he loved to share fond memories and hilarious stories of FBC youth group where he made lifelong friends. He also taught Sunday School classes and was an ordained deacon.

Larry’s working career began at age 17 when he worked at the Carson County Feed Lot near Pampa while still in high school. He became a cowboy on working ranches in the Texas panhandle – Hayhook, Crutchfield, Morrison, Brainard and Locke Cattle Company. Larry went to Frank Phillips College to learn welding after which time he worked on pipelines in Kansas and Oklahoma. He then went to work for Schafer Gas Plant in Skellytown, working his way to supervisor. In 1987 he transferred to Lindsey, Oklahoma as company welder for Texaco where he also met Susie. In 1992 Larry and his children, Slone and Laren, moved to Midland where he worked as a gas plant operator for Texaco. He and Susie were married on his 40th birthday, November 23, 1993 at the Scarborough-Linebery house in Midland, attended by their two youngest daughters, Laren and Sena.

Larry loved planes and flying and earned his pilot’s license when he was 27 years old. Later he and Susie bought a pipeline patrol business, renaming it LM AIR PATROL. During his career he accumulated over 40,000 hours of Low Altitude, Part 91 Aerial Patrol Flying. Larry was also a glider pilot and throughout his career owned a number of airplanes including experimentals. His real loves were the Cessna 150 and 180. Larry was an avid motorcycle rider and he taught Susie to ride. They enjoyed years of riding together to the motorcycle rally in Ruidoso, New Mexico. In 2020 Larry and Susie retired and sold the aerial pipeline business which still operates and retains the name of LM AIR PATROL. Larry loved to tell a story with much enthusiasm and entertained his family at many gatherings with his ability to remember every detail and deliver a punchline with comedic timing. He was a great neighbor and friend, helping people in many practical ways, encouraging them and spreading God’s joy always. He also served for several years as a member of the Board of Directors of Midland Memorial Hospital.

Larry is survived by Susie, his devoted wife of nearly 31 years; his son Slone (Joanna) Mercer of Rockford, Illinois; daughter Laren (Tyler) Mercer Sullivan of Midland; stepchildren Shelly (Randy) Chandler of Lindsey, Oklahoma; James Moutaw and Sena (Scott) Burch of Purcell, Oklahoma, 15 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. He is also survived by sisters Vicki Mercer Brown of Fort Worth and Nancy Mercer of Ruidoso; 3 nieces and husbands and their children; 3 half-sisters-in-law and spouses; 3 half-brothers-in-law and spouses, numerous cousins and countless friends who will miss him dearly. He was a loving Dad, a proud and attentive PawPaw, and an adored Uncle.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents; and brother-in-law Kelley Brown of Midland, Texas, who was like a brother to him.

The family would like to acknowledge all the men at Colonial Bible who were friends of Larry and ministered to him.

Visitation will be Friday, November 8, 2024 from 7:00pm to 8:30pm at Colonial Bible Church, 6112 HWY 349 in Midland. Memorial service will be held Saturday, November 9, 2024 at 2:00pm at Colonial Bible Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to Colonial Bible Church, Building Fund, PO Box 7046, Midland, Texas 79708.

Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory in Midland. Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.

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