Larry Mercer, 84, was found deceased at his home in Akron on February 20, 2026. He was born February 18, 1942, in Yuma, Colorado, to Franklin and Mary Katherine Mercer.

Larry was a carpenter, electrician, mechanic, beekeeper, fine artist, "fix-it" guy, and self-proclaimed "science nut." Those who knew him often said he could fix anything. After retiring, he taught motorcycle repair and oil painting.

He loved animals, and his front porch was covered in homemade bird feeders and perches for the finches, sparrows, and grackles of Akron. He spoke fondly of his cats, Felina and Leo, and his dog, Pepe Le Pew. He played football in high school and loved watching sports, sometimes "just to see what happens."

Larry had a brilliant and curious mind. His "happy little home" was filled with tools, fossils, science books, and homemade contraptions, including a brain lamp, a centrifuge made from an old ceiling fan, and a three-wheeled electric bicycle. The walls were decorated with his original oil paintings. In his final days, he spent time reading his National Geographic collection and studying scientific papers on black holes and the rotation of galaxies.

Larry is survived by five children, including Lorin Dabberstien, Michael Mercer, and David Mercer.

His family extends their appreciation to the people of Akron. He chose this town because it reminded him of his childhood in Yuma and Brush.

He will be remembered for his curiosity, ingenuity, and kindness.