David E. Mertz Sr., 86, of High Ridge died March 4, 2026, at SSM Health St. Clare Hospital in Fenton. Mr. Mertz was a graduate of Kirkwood High School, retired after many years as a truck driver and was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Des Peres. An avid gardener, his parents had a piece of property on Grupp Avenue in Des Peres, where he planted a big garden. On Saturdays, he would set up shop out of the back of his truck and sell extra vegetables to the neighbors. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, bowling and playing on the men's church softball team. Born Jan. 29, 1940, in St. Louis, he was the son of the late Raymond and Lillian (Loehr) Mertz.
He is survived by three children: Dana (Greg) Kenison, Debra (Bart) Anderson and David Mertz Jr.; seven grandchildren: Ashley (Chris) Shuck, Kyle (Paige) Kenison, Andrew (Lauren) Schwalbert, Brian Chura, Lauren Schwalbert, and Korenna and Odessa Anderson; four great-grandchildren: Hayden Shuck, Kolt Kenison and Savannah and Vivian Schwalbert; and his long-time girlfriend: Doris Loveland.
He was preceded in death by a daughter: Diana (Michael survives) Schwalbert; a brother: Arville (Alene) Mertz; and a sister: Rosemary (Robert) Almstead.
Visitation is scheduled from 4-8 p.m. today, March 9, at Schrader Funeral Home and Crematory, 14960 Manchester Road at Holloway, in Ballwin. A funeral service is scheduled for 10 a.m. Tuesday, March 10, at the funeral home. Interment will be in Trinity Lutheran Cemetery in Town and Country. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society. Arrangements are under the direction of Schrader Funeral Home and Crematory.