Kempner resident Benny O. Mercado died July 25, 2010, at his residence at age 87.

Funeral services were July 29 at Sneed Funeral Chapel with Pastor David Shaver officiating. Burial followed at Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen.

Mr. Mercado was born March 21, 1923, in Goodyear, Ariz., the son of Jose Rodriguez and Amelia Ortiz Mercado.

He married Bertie Carson on Nov. 16, 1951, in Ngoya, Japan.

Mr. Mercado served in four branches of the military: Navy, Army and Marine Corps, and retired from the U.S. Air Force.

He was a life member of the American Legion. He received several military commendations including two Purple Hearts.

Survivors include his wife of Kempner; one son and his wife, Richard and Susan Mercado of Killeen; three daughters, Darlene Shearin and husband, Craymon of Juliette, Ga., and Linda Mercado and Juanita Helgesson and husband, David, all of Kempner; two sisters, Molly Soto of New Braunfels, and Mary LaMoreno of Long Beach, Calif.; seven grandchildren, Laurie Mathis, Benny Mercado, Victoria McMillan, Cory Shearin, Jacqueline Lanz, David Helgesson and Angela Helgesson; and three great-grandchildren, Alexis McMillan, Alyssa McMillan and Lilly McMillan.

He was preceded in death by a son, Randy; by three sisters, Carmen, Josie and Ida; and by two brothers, Johnny and Benjamin.

Memorials may be made to VistaCare Hospice in Temple.