John "Jack" Mertes

JOHN ?JACK? L. MERTES Age 91 passed away peacefully at his home in Lake Worth on June 4, 2013 with family members at his side. Jack was born on Sept. 29, 1921 in Pittsburgh, PA, living most of his life in the Cleveland, Ohio area before moving to Lantana, FL in the early 1980?s. He served in the United States Marine Corps. during WWII. Following his military service he resumed his career with United States Steel Corp. in Cleveland retiring as a Research Engineer after 33 years of service. Jack was actively involved with competitive youth marching groups on a state and national level that included numerous Ohio Color Guards, Drill Teams, and Drum & Bugle Corps. He later became an All American Judge and assisted in the Foundation of the U.S. Judges Assn. Jack was a member of the Ohio American Legion Contest Supervisory Committee and a member of The Judging Panel for The American Legion National Contest. He is an American Legion Life Member. Moving to the Lacuna Golf and Country Club in 1987, Jack was an avid golfer. He became a Charter Member of the Lacuna Master Board, serving as a member for over 20 years, known affectionately as ?Mr. Lacuna? by his many friends. Jack is survived by his wife, Betty of 73 years; brother, Nickolas Mertes; sister, Ida Eleck; son, Dennis and granddaughter, Darcie Priester. He was predeceased by his daughter, Darlene Priester. Family and Friends will be received on Thursday, June 6, 2013 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Scobee-Combs-Bowden Funeral Home, corner of US Hwy. #1 & NE 15th Ave., Boynton Beach. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 AM on Friday, June 7, 2013 at St. Matthew?s Catholic Church, 6090 Hypoluxo Road, Lake Worth. Burial with full military honors will follow at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Cemetery, Royal Palm Beach. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital and Hospice of Palm Beach County, Green Team. A special thanks to Edwin Henry and Mercilia Monoestin for their devoted care.