William Jacob Mers

William Jacob Mers, 70, passed away on April 30, 2010.  He was born in Huntington, West  Virginia to Henry and Ruth  Mers.  He is survived by his beloved wife of 51 years, Lilly "Liz"; daughters, Maria "Chris" Madonna and husband Steve, Tina L. Ethridge and husband Bob and Ruth E. Enriquez and husband Sergio; grandchildren, Melissa (predeceased), Ian, Stephanie, Shannon, Rebecca, Jessica, Danielle, Sergio, Daniel and Nickolas; and 11 great-grandchildren.  He will also be missed by his pet cockatiel, "Sunny".  William was Santa Claus to all who knew him.  He would dress up like St. Nick and visit terminally ill children at Tucson Medical Center and the Children's Hospital in Phoenix.   "Santa" would also make visits to CPES and nursing homes.  He enjoyed putting a smile on everyone's face while dressed up as Santa.  He was a long standing member of the Knights of Pythias.  Visitation services will be on Tuesday, May 4, 2010 at Martinez Funeral Chapels from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.  Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 5, 2010 at the Mausoleum in Southlawn Cemetery.