1915-2004
Kailua parade loses 'Uncle Sam,' Gaylord Mercer

By Mike Gordon
Advertiser Staff Writer

Gaylord Mercer dressed as Uncle Sam every year for the Kailua Fourth of July Parade, which he often led, handing out flags to children. Advertiser library photo • July 1997

Mercer died Monday at the Maunalani Nursing and Rehab Center in Kaimuki. He was 88.

He was born in 1915 in Springfield, Mo., but lived most of his life in Hawai'i.

Until he fell and broke his femur in May 2001, Mercer's Uncle Sam had been a fixture in the Kailua parade for 38 years. He often led the parade.

"He really took on the persona of an icon of America," said his daughter, Lynn Mercer DeFelicis, who sometimes marched alongside him when she was a child. "He had the ability to make people feel good about their country and feel good about our military."

Mercer, a retired salesman who lived in Hawai'i Kai, got the patriotic part when a friend in the Honolulu office of the U.S. Treasury Department asked him to help with a savings bond drive.

Mercer tried on the costume and never gave it back. He even grew his own beard because sweat made the fake ones fall off.

Mercer never served in the military. A swift college miler, he hurt his foot and was declared ineligible.

"He really wanted to inspire people to have this renewed sense of being an American," his daughter said. "Being Uncle Sam was his way of giving to his country."

The last few times he was in the parade, Mercer rode in his neighbor's convertible.

"It wasn't the same as his marching," said Darrell Large, who relished the driving job. "He wasn't able to mingle with the crowd and hand out flags to the little kids. But he did it from the car. The little kids would run out and he would hand them a flag."

Mercer's family said he missed those parades. On the Fourth of July, 2002, he got one more "parade," handing out flags to residents at the nursing home.

One of Mercer's last wishes on the night he died was for his role to continue. His daughter said he chose his driver, Large.

Somewhat overwhelmed by the responsibility, Large said he probably would take it on.

"They insisted that I tell him I would do Uncle Sam," Large said. "I said I would."

Mercer is survived by his wife, Shirley, daughter Lynn Mercer DeFelicis of Fullerton, Calif., and two grandchildren.

Services will be Friday at Borthwick Mortuary. Viewing is at 9 a.m. with services at 10 a.m. Aloha attire.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Prince of Peace Lutheran Church or the charity of your choice.

Reach Mike Gordon at mgordon@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8012.