Jerry Wayne Mercer, 83, of Peralta, passed away on January 14, 2026, after a long battle with a combination of long-term illnesses. He passed away peacefully in his home.

Jerry was born on September 18, 1942, to Charles June Mercer and Lorene “Sis” Anderson Mercer. Jerry grew up in Brule, Nebraska, which is a small farming community in western Nebraska. During his early years, Jerry took on various roles, as one often does in a small community. He played a variety of sports and often had to coerce others to play in order to field a team. Jerry developed a true love for sports of any kind. He loved the outdoors and was an avid jack of all trades.

After graduating from high school in 1960, he attended Colorado State University and earned a Master’s Degree in Hydrogeology. He was very lucky to meet his wife of 60 years, Beatrice “Bea” Standefer Mercer. They were married on September 8, 1963. Jerry and his wife moved to the Land of Enchantment for a job with the United States Geological Survey. During his work at the USGS, he primarily worked on the WIPP project in Carlsbad. Later in his career, he was recruited to Sandia National Laboratories, where he had an opportunity to be engaged in several types of jobs, including work with explosives. Jerry and Bea built their own home in Peralta, NM, and took special care to make their property a legacy to be passed on.

Jerry and Bea raised their family of three children, Crystal, Cindy, and Randy, in Peralta. Jerry dedicated his life to being a great provider for his family. He also made sure that his children, including his special needs son, were given the same opportunities and education he had enjoyed. Jerry served on the board for La Vida Felicidad, helping shape the program that provides services to special needs individuals in our community. He was recognized on a placard on a wing at the La Vida Felicidad Community Center as a result of many years serving on this board. His love for the Lord was also a major part of his life. He was always taking on responsibilities, along with his wife, in hopes of bringing others to the Lord and helping them to love the Lord and hear His calling. Jerry served as a Deacon, Elder, Teacher, Youth Group Leader, bus driver, and Puppeteer, to name a few of the hats he chose to wear.

Jerry was predeceased by his wife, Beatrice “Bea” Standefer Mercer; his parents, Charles June Mercer and Lorene “Sis” Anderson Mercer; and his brother, Robert Mercer, and wife, Gayle Mercer. He is survived by his daughter, Crystal Phelps; his daughter, Cindy Mercer; and his son, Randy Mercer. He is also survived by his grandson, Nicholas Phelps; his granddaughter, Samantha Phelps, and partner, Adrian Aranda, with his great-grandchildren, Alec, Brooklynn, Kyler, and Logan; and his grandson, Brandon Phelps, and partner, Tyra Wood-Manygoats, as well as many other family members and friends.

There will be a memorial service and celebration of Jerry’s life on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Bosque Farms Church of Christ, 1635 Bosque Farms Blvd, Bosque Farms, NM 87068. The memorial service will be streamed live on Zoom for those who cannot attend in person. If you prefer, you may attend Jerry’s Celebration of Life service on Zoom; meeting ID code: 531 255 0667, passcode T4DEJQ. If you need further information, you may contact us at 505-918-4242.