Aaron Luke Mercer, 34, of Gainesville, Va., died Sunday as the result of an accident.

Born Sept. 2, 1972, in Oil City, he was a son of Duane and Janet Hannah Mercer of Seneca, Venango County.

He was a 1990 graduate of Cranberry High School and then graduated from Indiana (Pa.)University with a bachelor's degree in marketing.

Mr. Mercer was employed by the U.S. Investigation Services for 10 years in Boyers and then in Annandale, Va.

He was a former member of St. Stephen Catholic Church in Oil City.

He enjoyed hiking, fencing, reading, physical fitness, sports and gaming. He was a published writer and avid Miami Dolphins fan.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by two brothers: Nathan Mercer, and his wife, Traci, and their children, Hayley, Blake and Tyler of Cranberry Township; and Ryan Mercer, and his wife, Molly and their children, Renee and Landon of Mars. He also is survived by his maternal grandmother, Anna Hannah of Shippenville; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Mervin and Vera Mercer; and his maternal grandfather, Ralph Hannah.

<B>MERCER </B>— Friends of Aaron Luke Mercer, who died Sunday, July 15, 2007, will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday at <B>Morrison Funeral Home</B>, 110 Petroleum St., Oil City. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Monday at St Stephen Catholic Church, Oil City, with the Rev. Matthew Ruyechan presiding. Burial will be at Sunset Hill Memorial Gardens, Venango County.In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Stephen Catholic Church Second Century Fund, St. Stephen School or a charity of one's choice.Condolences may be sent to the family at aaron_luke_mercer@yahoo.com.