Fred Albert Mercer 74, longtime Brush resident died peacefully in his home, April 08, 2022. He was born on January 31 ^st , 1948 in Brush, Colorado to Franklin "Frank" and Mary Katherine Mercer. He graduated from Brush High School in 1966. Fred was an honor student and tri-sport athlete in high school. He made honor roll and lettered all four years in wrestling, track and football. He displayed his musical talents as a trumpet player in band plus one year in the orchestra.

Fred enlisted in the United States Army in 1968, honorably serving his country as a Specialist for 3 years. Beginning as a clerk typist, he spent 2 years and 18 days abroad stationed at Pioneer Kasserne in Germany. During his time in service, Fred achieved the National Defense Service Medal and Marksman M14.  Fred finished his service in the army ranking Specialist 5 (or Sergeant equivalent) trained in electrical and mechanical repair.

In 1974, Fred married Mary Ellen Jones in Fort Morgan, Colorado. They had three children Peter, Alicia and Mary Elizabeth. Fred's employment included working for the local sugar beet factory, Western Sugar of Fort Morgan, Wagers Farms of Woodrow, and Rudel Food Distribution of Brush. He also worked as a roofer.

An avid lover of nature and animals, Fred was happiest in the great outdoors in the summer. He enjoyed arrowhead and rock hunting, fishing, and camping. His artist vision shone through in his appreciation of rough stones hand polished to their brightest. His brilliance found in his engineering mind apparent to all who knew him- and all who knew him, knew his '68 Plymouth Fury. Fred drove the same car from 1972 until he wasn't able to drive it just a few short years ago. Fred wired that car so no one but he and maybe one or two others could operate it.

Fred was always tinkering with things; improving designs and making things work better. He even had inventions of his own he designed and made.  He also liked to invent his own way of doing things. He was unique and brilliant and a true blessing. He loved freedom, his family, nature and knowing the nature of things. He served his country, community and family well in his own special way.

He is survived by two brothers, Larry Mercer, of Akron, Steve Mercer of Chatsworth, California, one sister, Carol Herbst of Ft. Morgan, one son, Pete Mercer of Fort Morgan, two daughters, Alicia Pierre of Oakgrove, Kentucky and Mary Elizabeth Mercer of Platteville, eight grandchildren and four great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Memorial and Celebration of Life Services will be 9:00 AM Saturday, April 30 ^th at the United Methodist Church in Brush. Friends, family and community welcome. Inurnment following service 11:30 – 12:00 @ Brush Memorial Cemetery.