January 30, 1937 – September 20, 2024

Ronald Dwayne Mercer, 87, of Alvin, Texas passed away on September 20, 2024. He was born on January 30, 1937, in the small farming community of Kenefic, Oklahoma. He grew up in a modest household with his parents, James Aubrey Mercer and Clara Bell Robertson Mercer, along with his half-sister Joanne and younger brother James Terry. His father worked various jobs, including farming and as a mechanic, while his mother was an exceptional homemaker who supported the family during challenging times. Ron’s upbringing in rural Oklahoma instilled in him strong values of hard work and resilience. These early experiences shaped his character and commitment to improving his community.

Ron met the love of his life, Gloria Kay Bowman, in Alvin, Texas, where they were neighbors. Their bond deepened during college, and the two were married after Gloria graduated from Alvin Junior College and transferred to Sam Houston State University. Together, they raised a daughter, Vicki Lee Mercer, who went on to have a successful career in nursing. Vicki worked at UTMB in Galveston, where she managed high-stakes operations, following in the footsteps of her parents’ dedication to service and excellence.

Ron was a deeply devoted grandfather to his two grandsons, James Cody Ober and Matthew Ryan Ober, and took great pride in being actively involved in their lives. He cherished the time they spent together, especially during their visits to Alvin, Texas, and the family’s lake house on Toledo Bend. At the lake, Ron delighted in fishing trips with his grandsons, with Cody often serving as the family’s unofficial fishing guide. Those trips created lasting memories, filled with laughter, bonding, and Ron’s signature sense of humor. His love for his grandsons was unwavering, and the time spent fishing at the lake became symbolic of the close relationship they shared. Ron’s influence as a grandfather was profound, and his grandsons will always carry with them the wisdom, love, and joy he brought into their lives.

Ron’s sense of duty extended to his military service. While attending Sam Houston State University, he participated in the ROTC program and later served in the U.S. Army. His leadership skills were evident during this period, and his time in the military was crucial in shaping his professional and personal life. As an Army officer, he was stationed at Fort Bragg, where he managed company-level responsibilities. His service imbued him with a deep sense of discipline and patriotism, which he carried throughout his life.

Ron had a significant and impactful career at NASA, contributing to numerous key projects that shaped the organization's path. He was closely involved in the Space Shuttle and International Space Station programs. One of his early career highlights was his work on integrating contractors' efforts for space station hardware development across three major NASA centers: Johnson Space Center (JSC), Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC), and Lewis Research Center. His expertise led to him managing key contracts and playing a vital role in ensuring smooth cooperation among these centers.

Ron also played an important role following the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster. He was deeply involved in the response, working with key figures like Tom Moser to help NASA recover and reorganize its program management. This experience opened new doors for Ron, leading to his assignment in Washington, D.C., where he was tasked with managing the Space Station Integration Contract. During this period, he oversaw the integration of contractors such as McDonnell Douglas and Boeing, focusing on unifying their efforts for NASA's long-term goals.

His career also extended beyond technical contributions. Ron was pivotal in a major labor rate comparison between NASA contractors, a study that ultimately contributed to significant contract decisions, including Boeing replacing Grumman as the Level II integration contractor.

Throughout his career, Ron's work was critical to NASA's space station efforts, and he remained a key figure in shaping its future programs. His contributions helped ensure the longevity and success of initiatives like the International Space Station, which continues to orbit the Earth today.

After retiring from NASA, Ron shifted his focus to public service in his hometown of Alvin, Texas. His passion for improving his community led him to serve on the Alvin City Council, where he was deeply involved in key initiatives such as economic development and infrastructure improvements. One of his proudest accomplishments was his work with the "Keep Alvin Beautiful" initiative, where he helped spearhead beautification projects that transformed the town’s appearance. As president of the organization for over nine years, Ron helped the city win multiple Governor’s Community Achievement Awards and secured significant grant funding for community improvement projects. His efforts led to notable changes, such as enhancements to the city’s historic depot and the "Ugly Corner" redevelopment.

Throughout his life, Ron had a variety of interests and hobbies. In his younger years, he played in a rock and roll band during high school, a pastime that reflected his fun-loving and adventurous spirit. Later, his love for travel became a central part of his and Gloria’s life. Together, they traveled the world, visiting countries across Europe, Asia, and beyond. Notably, their trips to China and Russia left lasting impressions on them, providing rich experiences that broadened their perspectives. Ron also had a love for history, which he indulged during his travels, particularly during his time in Washington, D.C., while working on the Space Station program.

Ron’s life was defined by his unwavering dedication to his family, his work, and his community. His contributions to NASA, his service in the U.S. Army, and his tireless efforts to improve Alvin, Texas, leave behind a lasting legacy of leadership, service, and community spirit. Those who knew Ron remember him for his wisdom, his sense of humor, and his unwavering commitment to making the world a better place, one project at a time. His influence will be felt for generations to come, both in the fields of space exploration and within the community he cherished.

Ron Mercer's journey was one of remarkable achievements and profound contributions, leaving a lasting mark on his family, colleagues, and community. His memory will continue to inspire those who knew and loved him.

Friends are cordially invited to the visitation with the family on Saturday, October 19, 2024 at 2:00 P.M. with a memorial service to follow at 3:00 P.M. at First Presbyterian Church, 302 S. Johnson St., Alvin, Texas 77511 with Rev. Dr. C.O. Magee, Jr. officiating.