CLEATON – Clell “Buddy” Mercer, Jr., 80, of Cleaton, died Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at 11:58AM at home under the care of Hospice of Western Kentucky.  He was born at home on March 5, 1945, to Clell Mercer, Sr. and Eunice Mae Dukes Mercer.  He was a member of the Church of Christ.  Mr. Mercer retired from Ahlstrom Filtration in Madisonville.  After retirement, he enjoyed spending time with family, watching movies, and good food.  Anyone who knew him knew he loved barbecue, bacon, mowing, cats, UK basketball, Ford vehicles, and muscle cars.  He loved his family, especially his grandkids, and they loved him.

Clell was preceded in death by his father, Clell Mercer, Sr.; mother, Eunice Mae Mercer; and siblings, Nellie Mae Mercer, Dorothy Nell Mercer, Anga Elizabeth Parker; and Ruby Lee McDowell.

He was survived by his wife, Hilda Dorean Middleton Mercer; son, Lonnie Mercer; daughter, Kimberly (Jeff) Jones; granddaughters, Taryn Mercer, Kaylee (Connor) Lahey, and Sarah Jones; nephew, Tony (Candace) Parker; and niece, Ramona (David) Flynn.

As his Momma said, “You are precious”, and he was.

Graveside funeral services will be Friday, January 23, 2026, at 2:30PM at Mercer Family Cemetery in Cleaton, with Mr. Bob Edlin officiating.  Burial to follow.  Tucker Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.  Online condolences may be made at www.tuckerfuneralhomes.com.