Eugene (Gene) Ray Mertz, 59, passed on to his heavenly reward on Sat. Nov. 30 at 8:23 p.m. after a courageous battle with first sinus cancer and then acute myeloid leukemia. He was born Aug. 14, 1954 in Lima to Edgar and Addie Wilmena (Kurtz) Mertz of Buckland. They preceded him in death as well as his brother William (Gloria) Myers of Lakeview, OR. On Aug. 23, 1985 he married the love of his life and best friend Nancy Kladzyk. His beloved Nancy survives him in Shawnee Twp.
Gene worked for Goodyear Tire and Rubber for 32 years and retired from there in 2006. Gene became an avid scuba diver and went on to be a scuba diving instructor with multiple certifications. This was his hobby and passion for 23 years. He and Nancy were blessed to travel all over the Caribbean and Mexico. They went on a trip of a lifetime to Egypt where he dove in the Red Sea. He also loved camping with their grandchildren and dogs.
Survivors include 2 sons, Samuel Anthony Mertz of unknown location and Micheal Gene (Christine) Mertz of Spencerville also 3 precious and much loved grandchildren- Drake, Alyssa and Dylan Mertz of Spencerville and two fur babies Angus and Butter Rum.
A memorial service will be 11:00 a.m., Saturday Dec. 7 at Bayliff &Son Funeral Cridersville with friend and Neighbor Pastor Kenny Rader officiating. His cremated remains will be laid to rest next to his mother in Buckland Cemetery. The family will receive friends on hour prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to Nancy so she may purchase a life membership for the Humane Society of Allen County to honor Gene. Another way to honor him would be to become a bone marrow donor.