Ted Toms Mercer

Ted T. Mercer, 91, of Frederick, MD passed from this life on August 5, 2025. He was the loving husband of Fern Poole Mercer for the last 30 years. Prior to that, Ted was married to Ernestine Page Mercer, who passed away in 1984.

Ted was born on August 24, 1933 to parents Earl W. H. Mercer and Dorothy Toms Mercer and raised in Frederick. He graduated from Frederick High School in 1951 and went on to the University of Maryland to study Accounting; he graduated in 1955 earned his CPA license in 1961.

Music played a significant role in Ted’s life. The Frederick High School 1951 yearbook lists him as “the best drummer around.” Ted was a very capable and well-respected member of the percussion section at the University of Maryland. He unselfishly provided guidance to other drummers when they needed assistance. The band took exciting trips to away football games including the Sugar Bowl and Orange Bowl games.

In 1955, the University of Maryland was granted a charter for a local chapter, Gamma Xi, of Kappa Kappa Psi, national honorary band fraternity. Ted was elected as the charter secretary.

After graduating from the University of Maryland, Ted served in the Army as (not surprisingly) an auditor, then went to work for the U.S. Government Army Audit Agency.

Ted spent most of his career in public accounting as a CPA. He owned and operated firms under a few names, but most recently as Mercer, Flanagan & Company. After over 55 years in practice, Ted retired in April 2015-after tax season, of course.

He loved working in the yard and tending to their vegetable garden.

In addition to his wife, Ted is survived by stepson J. Edward Poole, his wife Vicki, and their children Michael and Megan Poole; stepdaughter Jayne Logan; foster daughter Joyce Keil (Allen); sisters-in-law Mary Ellen Mercer, Ella Lenhart, Joan Wisner, Janet Wisner, and Nancy Wisner; brothers-in-law Edward Page, Kenneth Wisner, Fred Wisner, Wayne Wisner, Sr., and Glenn Wisner; nieces and nephews Angela Clelan (Richard), Scott Page (Joy), Sarah Moxley (Kraig), Mark Maggitti (Leona), Gabe Maggitti, Jr., Theresa Maggitti, Karen Green (Paul), Terry Brynes (Jerry), Timothy Lenhart (Mary), Gwen Whitmore (Ronald), Jeff Wisner (Teresa), Aaron Wisner, Crystal Wiles (Scott), Wayne Wisner, Jr. (Christine), and Tony Wisner; and many great-nieces and nephews. Also surviving are special friends Ed & Wanda Burnap and Jerry & La Rue Hammond from Ted’s college days.

He was predeceased by siblings Earl “Sonny” Mercer, Jr. and Beverly Maggitti (Gabriel); sisters-in-law Ann Page and Shirley Wisner; and brothers-in-law Donald Lenhart, Garnett Wisner, Marshall Wisner, and Meredith Wisner; and niece Teresa Brickhouse.

Ted’s beloved office staff will miss his friendship and wisdom: Mark Flanagan (Janet), Susan Chute (Mike), Joan van Norden (Archie), Jo Ann Cashman (Andy), Martina Moon, and Steve Biggs (Paula).

Family and friends can gather at the Frederick Church of the Brethren, 201 Fairview Avenue, Frederick, MD 21701 on Tuesday August 12, 2025, from 10am until the start of the funeral service at 11am. Interment will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery, Frederick. After the burial everyone is invited for further fellowship and a luncheon at the church.

Ted was a member of Frederick Church of the Brethren for over 35 years; therefore, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the church at the above address.

Online condolences can be made at www.KeeneyBasford.com