Gary L. Mers

Gary Lee Mers died unexpectedly January 7, 2023, at his home in Spanaway, Washington. He was born October 18, 1943, on his mother's 25th birthday, in Alliance, NE, the son of Allene Mae (Judson) Mers and Lucerne Edwin Mers.
Gary graduated from Torrington High School in 1962. He then attended the University of Wyoming, Graceland College and Eastern Wyoming College before graduating from San Francisco College of Mortuary Science in 1966. Gary spent most of his life working in the Funeral industry as Funeral Director/Manager and in 1974 became partial Owner of Stryker Mortuary in Laramie, WY. In 1983, Gary took a break from the funeral business and moved to Riverton WY. He would hold the position of Executive Director of the Riverton Chamber of Commerce from 1983-1987. In 1987, Gary re-located to WA state, where he would spend the rest of his working life at Fir Lane Memorial Park and Funeral Home as Funeral Director.
Throughout Gary's life, he was involved with his local community and state organizations. He served as President of the Wyoming Jaycees, President of the Wyoming Funeral Directors Association, Board of Directors for the Wyoming Cowboy Joe Club, Board of Directors for the Wyoming Chamber Commerce of Executives, Member of Masonic Lodge #52 in Laramie, WY, Member of the Shrine Korean Temple in Rawlins, WY, and Rotary International just to highlight a few of his many accomplishments.
Gary spent much of his life living in Wyoming, where he enjoyed fishing, hunting, and University of Wyoming sports with friends and family. He shared a passion for fishing the many rivers of WY with his parents and his sister, Gay, and her (late) husband Mike. Although he was residing in WA, his heart was always in WY.
Gary was an avid reader and amassed quite a collection of books, primarily Western and historical novels. Louis L'amour and Wilbur Smith were among his favorite authors. He loved following sports and representing the Univ of WY, Boise State, Univ of WA and West Point, as his 4 closets full of gear confirm. His morning routine usually included he and his dog Aspen meeting at Starbucks with a very special group of friends. Gary was very much a fan of his wife Paula's cooking, and anyone who knew him knows that most evenings involved steak and potatoes.
Gary and his wife of over 35 years, Paula, shared a love for their blended family. Gary was predeceased by his parents Ed and Allene Mers, Aunt NeNe, and brother-in-law Mike Hughes. Surviving in addition to his wife, Paula Mers, are sister Gay Hughes of Riverton; children, Shay (Michael) McBride of Seattle, Michelle Mers of Phoenix, Mike (Lori) Mers of Boise, Tavy (Mike) Hostetter of Spanaway, Brandi (John) Musgrave of Reno; and grandchildren, Meghan Ward, Bryce Mers, Shane Hostetter, London McBride, Talia Musgrave, Stacia Mers, Lola Musgrave and Zia Musgrave; great granddaughter, Brynlee Ward; nephew Drew Hughes; and many special cousins. Gary will be deeply missed by his beautiful boxer, Aspen and his grand dog Charley.
Anyone interested in donating in Gary's name, please donate to your local animal rescue, as their beloved Aspen is a rescue from the CA fires about 5 years ago.
A Memorial Service with reception following will be held Monday, January 23, 2023, 10:00am PST at Fir Lane Memorial Park and Funeral Home, 924 East 176th St, Spanaway, WA 98387.