Mertz, David E, Sr., asleep in Jesus, Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at the age of 86. He was born in St. Louis County, a son of Raymond and Lillian (nee Loehr) Mertz. David was a graduate of Kirkwood High School, retired after many years as a Truck Driver, and was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Des Peres.

He is the dear father of Dana (Greg) Kenison, Debra (Bart) Anderson, David Mertz, Jr. and the late Diana (Michael survives) Schwalbert; loving grandfather of Ashley (Chris) Shuck, Kyle (Paige) Kenison, Andrew (Lauren) Schwalbert, Brian Chura, Lauren Schwalbert, and Korenna and Odessa Anderson; proud great-grandfather of Hayden Shuck, Kolt Kenison, and Savannah and Vivian Schwalbert; plus his long-time girlfriend Doris Loveland. He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Diana, brother Arville (Alene) Mertz and sister Rosemary (Robert) Almstead.

David loved to garden. His parents had a piece of property on Grupp Avenue in Des Peres, where he would plant a big garden. On Saturday's, he would set up shop out of the back of his truck and sell extra vegetables to the neighbors. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, bowling, and had played on the men's church softball team.

Services: Funeral service at the SCHRADER Funeral Home and Crematory, 14960 Manchester Road at Holloway, Ballwin, Tuesday, 10:00 a.m. Interment Trinity Lutheran Cemetery. If desired, contributions may be made to American Cancer Society . Visitation Monday 4-8 p.m. Friends may sign the family's on-line guestbook at Schrader.com.