Walter H. Mercer 1954—2016Walter H. "Wally" Mercer, age 61, of Hanover, IL., died suddenly as the result of a motor vehicle accident that occurred on Thursday, May 21, 2015 in Jo Daviess County. Wally was born on February 14, 1954, the son of Everett and Alberta (Fastenau) Mercer in Bridgeport, NE. He was raised in Hanover and attended Hanover High School. He married Rhonda A. Fosdick on May 28, 1978 in the First United Methodist Church, Savanna. Wally worked for Kelly Springfield Tire Company in Freeport, IL., for 34 years, retiring in 2007. He enjoyed the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing. He also enjoyed Pug dogs, working with computers and was a member of the Savanna Moose Lodge since 1976. Most of all, Wally was quick-witted and was always the first to say a funny sarcastic remark. Most of all, Wally treasured spending time with his family and friends. Wally will be dearly missed by his wife, Rhonda of Hanover; 2 sons, Jason (Scott Biggs) Mercer of Springfield, IL., and Derrick (Melissa Martin) Mercer of Muscatine, IA.; 2 grandchildren, Quincy Thommen and Ethan Mercer; 1 brother, Theo Mercer of Omaha, NE; and 2 sisters, Kathy (Jim) Smeloff of Chandler, Arizona and Pat (Jerry) Skillman of Mt. Pleasant, IA. Wally was preceded in death by his parents; 1 son, Cory Walter; and mother and father in-law, Robert and Patricia Fosdick.Cremation Rites have been accorded. A Celebration of Life will be held from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, July 16, 2016 at the Hanover V.F.W. in Hanover, IL. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.lawjonesfuneralhome.com.