Clarke Mercer

November 28, 1940 - August 17, 2020

GREENFIELD – Clarke Mercer, age 79, of Greenfield, passed away on Monday, August 17, 2020 at his residence. He was born in Evansville, Indiana on November 28, 1940 to W. Basil and Pauline J. (Griffin) Mercer. He graduated from Reitz High School in Evansville in 1958 and earned his associates in criminal justice from Indiana University in 1973. Clarke married Lori A. (Mummert) on November 18, 1989 in Greenfield. Clarke spent his career at the Indiana State Police for 28 years on the road, as a questioned document examiner, before retiring as a Captain in 1990. Mr. Mercer continued his career in law enforcement and served the City of Greenfield as the Chief of Police for 8 years until retiring in 2008. Clarke started Clarke Mercer Forensic Laboratory, owning/operating the company from 1991 to 2016. Clarke was a member and was active within several community organizations including the Greenfield Rotary Club (2014-2020), Pioneers of the Indiana State Police Board Member, MAFS Board of Directors (1987-1992) receiving the MAFS Distinguished Service Award in 1994. MAGLOCLEN Policy Board Member, ABFDE Board of Directors (1994-2000) and the Hancock Regional Hospital Foundation (2010-2019). He is survived by his wife, Lori Mercer of Greenfield; daughters, Michelle Mercer of Fort Wayne, IN, Dawndy (Craig) Plank of Columbia, SC, and Shannon (Marc) Compere of Orlando, FL; brother, Bruce Mercer of Evansville, IN; and 3 step-grandchildren. Mr. Mercer was preceded in death by his parents Basil and Pauline Mercer. Visitation will be held on Saturday, August 22, 2020, from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. at Brandywine Community Church, 1551 E. New Rd, Greenfield, IN 46140. A funeral service will take place immediately following the visitation at 2:00 p.m. Pastor Matt Wickham will be officiating. Burial will follow at Park Cemetery in Greenfield with honors being rendered by the Indiana State Police & Greenfield Police Department Honor Guards. As a reminder, masks are required at the church/cemetery and please practice social distancing. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made by mail to the Hancock Health Foundation, 801 N. State Street, Greenfield, IN 46140 or to Brandywine Community Church, 1551 E. New Rd, Greenfield, IN 46140. Envelopes will be available at the church. Friends may share a memory or condolence of Clarke at www.erleweinmortuary.com. Arrangements are being handled by Erlewein Mortuary & Crematory in Greenfield.