Christopher Roger Mercer, 59, of the Globe and Roosevelt area, passed away on Nov. 21, 2019, from complications of a car accident.
Chris was born, the youngest of six children, in 1960 in Globe, Ariz., to John and Colleen Mercer. He attended Holy Angels School and graduated from Globe High school. He married Kelly Spencer in 1981. Together they raised three children: Helen, who recently moved to Idaho, Stephanie, who lives in Australia and Christopher Wayne of Globe.
Chris worked for Mercer Construction as a general laborer until 1987 when the family moved to Arkansas to be near Kelly’s grandparents. He worked for Petitjean Poultry in Danville, Arkansas. When they returned to Globe in 1994, he drove tour busses and fire crews for Mercer Motor Coach. He enjoyed taking tour groups around the Southwest and was very popular among the guests. He also had many exciting stories to tell about the dangers of transporting crews into fire environments. In 2008, Chris, now divorced, moved in with his daughter Helen and husband in Mesa to care for his grandson Nicholas while the parents worked. When Nick was ready for school, Chris returned to Globe to care for his own aging parents, something for which the family was extremely grateful. Chris was a very kind and patient caregiver. This was probably his greatest gift besides his sense of humor.
In 2017 Chris began working for the Globe School District as a custodian at Copper Rim School. When he had his car accident, on Oct. 17, his principal said he hoped Chris could return soon, as the children loved him and followed him around. His coworkers said Chris was always willing to stop and help whenever he saw a need.
Chris enjoyed phone calls with his daughters and grandchildren every day, visiting his friends, his siblings and son, hiking and walking, arguing politics, and listening to music. He especially enjoyed living in a beautiful spot above the Rock House by Roosevelt Lake.
Chris is survived by his three children: Helen (Michael Francisco), Stephanie (Ty Wong), and Christopher; five grandchildren: Nicholas and new-born Gage, Jaden, Jacob and Isabelle; his ex-wife and good friend Kelly; two brothers: Dennis and Tom; and three sisters: Theresa Savedra, Kathleen Mercer Frost, and Sharon Navarro. He will be sorely missed by them all.
Services will be held at Holy Angel’s Catholic Church on Dec. 6 at 9:30 a.m. A reception will follow.
Arrangements are through Lamont Mortuary of Globe.
