Donald L. Mertz, Sr., affectionately known as Whitey, Vintnor, and *** Bucket, 84, of Lancaster, passed away January 3, 2023, at Lancaster Nursing & Rehabilitation. Born in Conestoga, he was the son of the late Albert and Helen (Lilley) Mertz. He and Ruth Mertz shared over 50 years together.

Donald and Ruth were long time members of Conestoga United Methodist Church, where he was a member of the church choir. He found peace being in the great outdoors, where he enjoyed hunting and fishing. Donald especially enjoyed these activities with his family. Making something out of nothing was something that Donald will be fondly remembered for. He could take broken things and either fix them or turn them into something else. Tinkering around his workshop was one of his favorite hobbies.

Donald cherished making memories with his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. His family will tell you he also made a perfect Santa Claus. He will be sorely missed by his loving wife Ruth; their children, Donald Mertz, Jr., husband of Vicky of Lancaster, Donna Brought of Millersville, Norma Wagner, wife of Ron of Pequea, Patty Deacon, wife of Tim of Conestoga, Ralph "Dave" Dickel of Lancaster, and Jeffrey Dickel, companion of Amy Esbenshade of Conestoga; grandchildren, Amy, Rick, Ronnie, Eric, Branden, Corey, and Sammi; great grandchildren, Caleb, Gabriella, Maddie, Ian, Ari, and Sophia, as well as a sister, Fay Hartsough. He was preceded in passing by a son in law, Charlie Bought, and his brother, Charles Lilley.

A celebration of Donald's life will be held at 1 PM on Friday, February 24, 2023, at the Conestoga United Methodist Church, 71 Sand Hill Rd., Conestoga, PA 17516. The family invites guests to a visitation from 12 PM until the time of service. Interment will be private at Millersville Mennonite Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association .