Jerry Ray Mertes

Jerry Ray Mertes, 88, of Indianapolis, Ind., and formerly of Southern Illinois, died Saturday, Nov. 16, 2019, at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Indianapolis, Ind. 

He was born on June 24, 1931, in Eldorado, the son of Joseph F. and Minnie F. Groves Mertes. 

He married Norma J. Hines on Sept. 15, 1953, in Carbondale. 

He is survived by his wife, Norma J. Mertes of Indianapolis, Ind.; other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents. 

Mr. Mertes was a member of the First Baptist Church in Indianapolis. 

He graduated from Anna-Jonesboro Community High School in 1949. 

He served in the U.S. Air Force as a mechanical draftsman from 1952 to 1956. 

During his career he worked for various companies before retiring from the Department of Veteran’s Affairs in 1996 as an engineering technician.

Graveside services will be at 1 p.m. Monday, Nov. 25, at the Anna Cemetery. Interment will immediately follow. Graveside military rites will be conducted. Everyone is asked to go directly to the cemetery.

To view the obituary and to leave online condolences for the family, visit www.rendlemanhilemanfh.com. 

Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Anna is in charge of arrangements.