Ralph L. Mercer of Rapid City, South Dakota died Sunday, October 31, 2010 at the Rapid City Regional Health Center. Ralph was born October 6, 1923 in Kearney, Nebraska, the son of John C. and Ruby Mercer. His family moved to Fort Morgan, Colorado in 1926 where Ralph attended school, delivered newspapers, and worked on his familys farm. Ralph moved to Stockton, California where he worked on a dairy farm until he enlisted in the Army/Air Force on January 26, 1943. Ralph earned the rank of staff sergeant and served as a ball turret and waist gunner on the B-17 Flying Fortress heavy bomber group of the 99th Bombardment Group of the 15th Air Force. He was stationed in Italy and completed fifty one bombing missions, participating in the Air Offensive Europe, Normandy, Rome, and North African Middle Eastern air campaigns. He was awarded the Silver and Bronze Combat Stars. Ralph returned to the United States and was stationed at Rapid City Army/Air Base and was honorably discharged in September 1945. Ralph married Eula M. White of Fort Morgan, Colorado at the home of her parents on October 15, 1944. Following their marriage, the Mercers moved to Rapid City, South Dakota. Ralph is survived by his wife, Eula, their daughter Marlene and her husband Gene, their son Barry and his wife Lanette, eight grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, and four sisters. Graveside services with military honors by the Rushmore VFW Post 1273 Honor Guard and the South Dakota Nation Guard will be 2:00 P.M. Wednesday November 3, 2010 at Black Hills National Cemetery with Rev. Bob Jacobs officiating. A memorial has been established to the Westminster Presbyterian Church at 1012 Soo San Drive, Rapid City, S.D. 57702.