Charles Mercer

Charles R. Mercer, 77, of Champaign, Illinois passed away after a long illness at 10:22pm, April 5, 2020 at Kindred Hospital, Peoria, Illinois.

Born in Richmond Virginia on May 7, 1942 to Jesse Reid Mercer and Kathryn Carroll Mercer, he moved to Champaign, Illinois after serving as a Staff Sergeant and instructor in the USAF at Chanute AFB, Rantoul, Illinois. He was employed by the University of Illinois Photographic Services and eventually became their Chief Photographer, holding that position until he left to open his own photographic studio, Charles Mercer Photography, from which he retired. In 2007, he decided to return to work and joined AutoZone part-time, still saving some time for photography and interests in gardening, wood-working, drawing, and watercolor painting.

He was a former member of the Professional Photographers of America and a member of American Legion Post 24 in Champaign.

He is survived by his wife Maryann, to whom he was married for 52 years. Hes also survived by a daughter, Catherine Craglow (Kip) of Portland, Oregon.

A Celebration of Life memorial and private burial will be held at a future date.

Please join his family and sharing memories, photos and videos on his tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com

The family has entrusted Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Champaign, Illinois 710 N Neil St Champaign Illinois 61820 with his arrangements.