Reuben S. Mertz, 87, of Whitehall, died Monday, January 2, 2012, at Fellowship Manor, Whitehall. He was the husband of Ethel (Benner) Mertz. The couple celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary last March 19th.

Born in Rockdale, on November 29, 1924, he was the son of the late Oscar & Laura (Leibenguth) Mertz. He retired from Kraft Foods, Fogelsville, where he worked on the production line. Prior to that, he worked in maintenance for the Whitehall School District. Prior to that, he was employed as a driver/foreman, for the Lehigh Valley Dairy, for 25 years. He served honorably in the U.S. Navy, during World War II, as a Radar Operator, aboard the U.S.S. Canberra. He was a member of Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, Egypt, where he served on church council for many years.

Reuben was Judge of Elections, for Whitehall Township, and was entered into the Voters Hall of Fame, for consecutively voting 60 years. He was an active firefighter, serving with Egypt Fire Company, for many years. He was a life-member of V.F.W. Post #7293, Egypt, and an avid bowler. He was above all, a loving and understanding father and grandfather, whose interests during his many years usually included his “kids”.

Survivors: in addition to his loving wife; sons, Barry D. and his wife Jacqueline, and their daughters, Heather and Jocelyn, Desiree, wife of Peter Roy, and their children, Savannah, Abigail and Emilee, all of Maine; Jeffrey A. and his wife Kathleen, of Northampton and their children, Ryan and Amanda, wife of Dennis Yost, both of Bethlehem, Robin Hoose, James, Wayne and Keith Atwood, all of Maine. He is predeceased by a brother David and sister Lorraine.

Services: A memorial service will be held and announced at a later date. The Heintzelman Funeral Home, Inc., Schnecksville, is in charge of arrangements.

Memorial Contributions: in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, c/o the funeral home, 4906 Route 309, P.O. Box 196, Schnecksville, PA, 18078-0196.