Dr. Richard (Dick) Herron Mercer, D.O., of Kirksville, MO, died peacefully with his wife, daughter, and son-in-law by his side on Feb. 6, 2023. He was born Sept. 13, 1929 in Grove City, PA to William D. and Marie (Herron) Mercer. He graduated from Denison University in Granville, OH in 1951, and received his Doctor of Osteopathy degree from AT Still University (Kirksville College of Osteopathy, KCOM) on June 4, 1955. On June 5, 1955 he married Bess Rose Appling and they were happily married 67 years. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughter, Janis and son-in-law Jim McManus, nieces Marily Sampson, Dr. Melody Mercer, D.O., Nancy Barch and Sally Rockford, along with grand- and great grand-nephews and niece.
After a few years of working in Ohio and Pennsylvania, Dr. Mercer returned to Kirksville in 1967 to teach and practice clinical pediatrics at KCOM, during which time he earned his Board Certification in Pediatrics. In 1983, he practiced General Medicine until he retired in 1990. He was the Assistant Director of the Maternal and Child Health Program from 1967-1982. Following that, he practiced medicine and taught senior students in the Rural Clinic Program until he retired in 1990. In addition, he was the author of scientific articles published by several osteopathic journals. In 1999 he was recognized by the Missouri State Board of Registration for the Healing Arts for holding a license to practice medicine in the state for 45 years. In 2007 he started the Richard and Bess Mercer Library Endowment with the Adair County Library and received an Honored Patron Award from A.T. Still University for his numerous donations. In 1995, he established the Aaron Douglas Loan Program to assist practical nursing students in their education.
Dick was a long-time member of El Kadir Shrine Club and the Kirksville Masonic Lodge 105. He was an avid American Contract Bridge player, and was proud to have attained the rank of Silver Life Master in 2016. Both he and Bess were active members of the Kirksville Country Club. Another important achievement for him was his hole-in-one on the 17th hole at KCC. Dr. Mercer was a life-long Methodist and was a member of the First United Church of Kirksville since 1967.
Upon retirement, he and Bess took numerous trips with friends and Janis and Jim to England, The Netherlands, Panama, Puerto Vallarta and others. They celebrated their 50th anniversary with a cruise to the Greek Isles and their 65th with a river cruise on the Seine. A highlight of that trip was going up the Eiffel Tower with Jim and seeing the view. He was a regular walker in his neighborhood, the Thompson Center and Walmart, depending on the weather.
Dick loved collecting quotes and they reflect his humility, kindness and dedication to public service.
Dr. Mercer firmly believed in the purpose of Osteopathy, the importance of nurses, and the value of education.
Memorial Service will be held at the First United Methodist Church at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 11, 2023 with a visitation from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Saturday. Entombment will be in Maple Hills Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Shriner’s Hospital for Children.
Arrangements in the care of Davis-Playle-Hudson-Rimer Funeral Home in Kirksville, MO.