Wilmore Lee Mertens, Jr.
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Wilmore Lee Mertens, Jr. 76, of Fort Myers Beach, FL and a former resident of Bonita Springs since the 1990's died unexpectedly on July 14, 2021. He was born on August 10, 1944 in Fort Jackson, SC a son of the late Wilmore Lee and Marian (Hudgens) Mertens, Sr., and grew up in Richmond, VA, graduating from Thomas Jefferson H.S. and attended Richmond Professional Institute before volunteering for the Marines.
He was a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps having served from 1966 - 1968 when he was honorably discharged. After serving his country, Wilmore returned home and joined the City of Richmond Police Department, where he served as a police officer for over 20 years. He was also a realtor and after moving to Bonita Springs, he worked for Naples Community Hospital as a transporter.
He is survived by his loving wife, Sherry Franklin Mertens; his two brothers, Bruce L. Mertens (Margaret R.) of Richmond, VA and Richard L. Mertens (Debbie) of Maui, HI; his sister, Catherine M. Moore (Richard A.) of Richmond, VA; his brother-in-law, Ronald B. Franklin (Cathie) of Richmond, VA and his nieces and nephews, William (Michelle and great-niece Addison), Andrew (Becky), Robert (Leigh), Christian, Courtney, Elijah, Natasha, Christopher and Curtis.
Will was an extraordinary support to his mother, his siblings and his deeply loved wife and we will always be grateful to him in the very many ways he was there for us at all times and whenever needed.
Graveside services with military honors will be held Saturday, July 24, 2021 at 10:00 AM at Naples Memorial Gardens 525 111th Ave. No., Naples, FL 34108. Burial will follow.
To sign his guest register or to leave online condolences please visit www.ShikanyFuneralHome.com.
Arrangements are being handled by Shikany's Bonita Funeral Home Family Owned and Operated Since 1978 (239) 992-4982.