CARBON - Robert "Bob" Lee Mercer, 76 of rural Carbon, IN, passed away February 9, 2021.

He was born December 11, 1944 in Indianapolis, IN, the son of John and Jane (Kingery) Mercer. Bob was raised in Brazil and graduated from Brazil High School, Class of 1963. As a young man, he was active in Boy Scouts and received the God and Country Award. Also as a young man he attended the First United Methodist Church in Brazil and was often at the Clay County YMCA.

Following high school, he attended Indiana State University, achieving a degree in education and a master's degree in science. He taught junior high science in Rensselaer, IN. While teaching there, he also coached cross-country.

Bob served in the U.S. Air Force on active duty for 8 years and followed with several years in the Air National Guard Reserves. While on active duty he served overseas including Okinawa and Thailand in addition to time spent at several bases in the continental United States.

After his teaching career, Bob expanded his knowledge of taxidermy and established Lifelike Taxidermy in Clay County. He became quite accomplished at the art of taxidermy, completing many projects including large animals, deer and turkeys as well as small animals like birds, ducks, and fish.

He had many outdoor interests. including fishing, mushroom hunting, golf, and walking at Forest Park. He was entertained by the daily crossword puzzle in the newspaper and had season tickets to ISU basketball games. In his younger years he enjoyed the annual trip with his pals to the boundary waters in Minnesota and into Canada.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Jane Mercer.

Survivors include his daughters, Ellen Looney and husband Michael of Danville, IN, and Cynthia Tottleben and husband Tom of Toulin, IL; brother, John Mercer and wife Karen of Clay City; sister, Diane Reynolds and husband Emery of Brazil; and many nieces, nephews, and great and great-great-nieces and nephews.

At his direction, cremation will take place with no services at this time. If friends so desire, donations may be made to the Clay County YMCA, 225 E. Kruzan St., Brazil, IN 47834. Arrangements are entrusted to French Funeral Home. Post a note of condolence at:

www.frenchfuneralhome.com