Henry Joseph Mercier, 87, of Linton, IN, passed away Wednesday, July 7, 2010, at his residence in Linton. He was born in Linton, on January 7, 1923, to Octave and Mary (Reynier) Mercier. On July 26, 1943 he married Avalean G. Mayton.

Henry was a dedicated public servant for 44 years with the Linton Fire Department, serving as Chief for 12 years. He owned and operated Mercier Pest Control and Drywall. He retired in 2001. Henry's hobbies included woodworking, master gardening, fishing, wine making and bee keeping. He was a member of Providence Baptist Church. A 50 year member of Linton Masonic Lodge #560, Scottish Rite Valley of Terre Haute, Zorah Shire, Greene Shrine Club, International Assoc. of Fire Fighters Local #3087, and a past member of the Indiana Chiefs Assoc.

Survivors include his wife, Avalean G. Mercier; two daughters, Carolyn A. (Dallas) Benham of Lyons and Mary E. (John) Carmichael of Carlisle; Grandchildren, Aaron Jon (Kim) Benham, Becky Jolene (Brett Griffith) Carmichael and Sabrina B. Carmichael; one brother, George E. (Luetta) Mercier of Bloomington.

Henry was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Marceline Norton.

The family has requested that memorial contributions be made to Southern Care Hospice of Terre Haute.

Friends may call at the Anderson-Poindexter Memory Chapel from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Friday, July 9, 2010, with Masonic Memorial Service at 7:00 PM. Visitation will continue from 9:00 AM until the hour of service on Saturday, July 10, 2010. Funeral services will begin at 11:00 AM with Pastor Darren McDonald officiating. Interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery in Linton, IN.

Online condolences may be sent to www.andersonpoindexter.com