Gerald Mertens

LET US PAUSE TO HONOR THE MEMORY OF MR. GERALD WAYNE "CHIP" MERTENS

Mr. Gerald Wayne "Chip" Mertens, age 70, of Charlestown, Indiana, entered this life on July 30, 1946, in Highland Park, Michigan. He was the loving son of the late Gerald E. and Lorraine Welch Mertens. Chip was inducted into the United States Army and served during Vietnam, where he was exposed to Agent Orange. He was honorably discharged and returned home as a decorated soldier. He resided his adult life in Clark County, Indiana. Chip owned and operated the Goodyear Tire Store in Clarksville for 12 years and operated Capt. Chip's Charters on Lake Cumberland and the Ohio River. He was a certified Coast Guard Captain, as well. For the past 23 year, he has owned and operated Chip's Place on 10th Street in Jeffersonville, a certified auto repair shop. Chip was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Charlestown. Chip will be remembered for his love of fishing and his great ability to socialize and have a great time. Chip and Sandy enjoyed all their times coming home to Madison and being with family and friends. Chip died on Friday, September 23, 2016, at 5:20 p.m. in Clarksville, Indiana, surround by his loving family.

A LOVING FAMILY

Chip will be missed by his loving wife of 21 years, Sandra L. "Sandy" Mertens of Charlestown, Indiana; their four children, CW 4 Shawn Mertens and his wife Teresa of Ft. Campbell, Kentucky, Kimberly Mertens of Savannah, Georgia, Patrick Mertens and his wife Autumn of Charlestown, Indiana, and Derek Lakeman and his wife Ronda of Jeffersonville, Indiana; his grandchildren, Joy, Kimberly, Shawn Patrick, Christian, Conner and Ira; his great grandchildren, Lola and Cecilia; his sister, Cherie Shank and her husband Dwight of Grand Junction, Colorado; his brother-in-law, Tom Spry of Madison, Indiana; his niece, Kelly; and other relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gerald E. and Lorraine Welch Mertens; his nephew, Jeff Shank; and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Ira Spry and Mary Nadine Higgins Spry Pruitt.

FUNERAL CEREMONY

Funeral services will be conducted Tuesday, September 27, 2016, at 10:30 a.m. by Bishop Bob Bethany at Newcomer Funeral Home-Southern Indiana Chapel, 3309 Ballard Lane, New Albany, Indiana. Interment will follow in the Brooksburg Cemetery in Brooksburg, Indiana.

VISITATION

Friends may call Monday from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service at Newcomer Funeral Home-Southern Indiana Chapel, 3309 Ballard Lane, New Albany, Indiana.

FULL MILITARY HONORS

Full military honors will be conducted at the graveside at the Brooksburg Cemetery by the United States Army Ceremonial Unit and Jefferson Post 9 of the American Legion.

MEMORIAL EXPRESSIONS

Memorial contributions may be made to donor's favorite charity. Cards are available at the funeral homes. Online condolences at www.morgan-nay.com or in person at Morgan & Nay Funeral Centre, 325 Demaree Drive in Madison, Indiana.

You may also leave a message for the family at our website at www.newcomerkentuckiana.com.