Lawrence Wayne Mertz ”Larry”, 79 of Fort Wayne, loving husband, father, grandfather and friend, passed away peacefully in his home on April 29th surrounded by family.
He was born in Fort Wayne on July 25th, 1943 to the late, Orval and Gladys {Payne} Mertz and graduated from North Side High School in 1961. He attended Purdue University for several years before enlisting in the Army where he excelled as a marksman earning the job of gunner on his tank. When his service was complete he returned home to work for his father’s construction company. He would also work for Fairchild Construction for 11 years and ended his time in the workforce at Fort Wayne Metals/Labecca where he retired after 11 years.
He married Madolyn Sue, the love of his life, on June 9th, 1967 and spent the next 55 years hopelessly devoted to her. A skilled carpenter, he not only remodeled a home for his family but also helped too many friends and family members to list with various projects.
Larry was a traditional, hard working family man who was at his happiest spending time with his wife and granddaughters. Once he retired the highlight of his week would be a Saturday trip to Menards with one of his grandchildren.
Larry will be remembered as a kind, loving man who spent more time helping others than himself. He was a devout Christian and student of the bible with a special interest in prophesy. He was a member of Faith Baptist Church at the end of his life and contributed greatly to every church he attended in multiple capacities.
Larry is survived by his wife Madolyn Sue {Lockwood} Mertz; his son Nathan; granddaughters, Meadow, Bella and Allyson; along with a large extended family. He was also preceded in death by his stepmother, Gertrude Rakes Mertz; brother, Robert Jean Mertz; sister, Ruth Norman Goshert; niece, Vickie Mertz Clouse; and nephew, Dennis Mertz.
Service is 3:00 pm, Saturday, May 6, 2023 at Faith Baptist Church, 6600 Trier Rd., with calling two hours prior beginning at 1:00 pm. Memorials may be made to; Destiny Rescue, 10339 Dawsons Creek Blvd. Suite C Fort Wayne, IN 46825, Rock of Ages Ministries (Prisoner's Bible Study), P.O. Box 2308 Cleveland, TN 37320, or Jews for Jesus, 60 Haight Street, San Francisco, CA 94102. To sign the online guestbook, go to www.fairhavenfortwayne.com