David Franklin Mercer

Our family mourns the passing of David Franklin Mercer, a loving husband, father, grandfather, teacher, coach, mentor and friend. Born in Greenville, Michigan in 1947, to Dale and Jacqueline Mercer, he moved to Watsonville in 1955 when he was in 7th grade.

Dave was well known in and around Santa Cruz County, as sports were a big part of Dave's life. He was a standout student-athlete at Watsonville High School, earning top awards in Football, Basketball and Baseball. In 2000, he was inducted into the Watsonville High School Hall of Fame, where his basketball jersey still hangs in the WHS gymnasium. He spent his college years at San Jose State University, where he played football and met his lifelong sweetheart Christine.

Dave and Chris were married for 56 years and resided in Ben Lomond for all of those precious years together, raising their three sons, Brian, Mark and Jeff. In 1970, Dave earned his teaching credential and began his teaching and coaching career at San Lorenzo Valley High School. For 39 years, Dave taught Social Science and Independent Studies, and coached Football, Boys and Girls Basketball, and Golf for SLV. He had such a positive impact on so many of his students and athletes in the Valley. As a Football coach and offensive coordinator, Coach Merc boasts over 200 wins in 35 seasons, and was an integral part of the Cougars winning 46 straight league games, 9 league titles and 3 CCS Championships in the 1990s & early 2000s.

In addition to his career as a teacher/coach, Dave also went to law school in the 1980s and earned his JD in 1981 passing the bar exam on his first attempt. Although life as an attorney was short-lived, Dave was one of the smartest men we've ever known. So smart, in fact, that he chose to spend more time with his wife and children rather than being a full time lawyer. One of Dave's proudest athletic accomplishments happened at SLV High School in 1973, where he and other members of the SLV Faculty beat the Oakland Raiders in a charity basketball game 93-90, where Merc scored 60 points to lead the staff in one of the all time upsets in Valley lore. Although there are too many stories to share, the one he would most want to share with you is that his proudest accomplishment was raising his three boys.

Dave Mercer passed away on Monday, December 15, 2025 at 1:37am surrounded by his wife Chris, and his three boys at their home in Ben Lomond.

One of the kindest men we've ever known, Dave was loved by everyone who knew him and will be deeply missed. Dave is survived by his wife, Chris; two sisters, who live in Michigan; his three sons; and seven grandchildren with whom he adored.

The Mercer Family will be holding a memorial service for Dave on Saturday, January 17, 2026 at 10:00am at the SLVHS Gymnasium.

Published in The Pajaronian and Press Banner · December 18, 2025