John Phillip Mertz

John P. Mertz, 80, of Burnham, passed away at 9:40 a.m., Wednesday, May 11, 2016, at his home.

Born on June, 15, 1935, in Lewistown, John was the son of the late Harry S. and Izetta (Johnson) Mertz. In addition to his wife, Robyn K. (O'Hara) Mertz, whom he married on Nov. 2, 1963, he is survived by his daughter, Heidi M. Welham, and her husband, Robert M. "Scott" Welham Jr., of Lewistown; grandchildren Sawyer E. Welham, of Arlington, Va., Coleman M. Welham, of Williamsport, and Mitchell R. Welham, of Shippensburg.

John graduated from Lewistown High School in 1953 and from the Rochester Institute of Technology in 1957 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photographic Illustration. While a student at RIT, John spent a weekend photographing Louis Armstrong and the All-Stars for a class project. He also photographed Duke Ellington and Count Basie. For a semester during his senior year, John had the opportunity to study black and white photography under Ansel Adams.

While in school, John worked for two summers as a counselor and teacher of photography at Camp Wigwam, a private boys' camp. Frank Lessor, producer of the musical "Guys and Dolls," came to the camp to direct the camp play and John was his chauffeur. John spent the following summer in Hollywood, Calif., at a photographic studio, where he had the unique opportunity to meet Walt Disney and Lawrence Welk. He photographed John Wayne, Liberace, Roy Rogers and Gene Autry for General Electric and the Walt Disney Studios. Drummer Johnny Kline, of the Lawrence Welk Band, taught John how to play the drums.

In 1957, John enlisted in the United States Army and completed sniper training at Fort Benning. He spent two years in Aschaffenburg, Germany, with the First Battalion Group Seventh Infantry. He was the Third Infantry Division photographer and a personal photographer for General Westmoreland. John won the "All Army" photo contest and received the third place in the Inter-service contest.

In 1960, after the military, John started his career at the Pennsylvania State University, as a photographer in Still Photo Services. In 1969, he took over the photography department, which combined with the graphics department in 1983. While at Penn State, John had the opportunity to photograph three United States presidents: Kennedy, Johnson and Eisenhower. In 1991, he received the Mary Beth Reese Distinguished Service Award. In 1995, after 35 years of service, John retired as Director of Photography and Graphic Arts.

John strongly advocated giving back to the community. For many years, John was very active with the American Heart Association. He served as president, five-county fund-raising chairman, and the Pennsylvania state secretary. He also volunteered at the Boy Scout Klondike Derby for 35 years, the Newtown Fire Company and Ambulance Service, was a presenter at Mifflin County School Career Day, a committee member to review fine art grants, served on the board of directors for the American Cancer Association, and helped raise funds for the Juniata Valley YMCA, and the United Way in State College.

John has been a member of the Burnham Lions Club for 49 years where he served as president and secretary. He also served Lions District 14L as zone chairman, regional chairman, deputy district governor and various district cabinet positions. In 1978, John designed the Pennsylvania Lions state pin. He was the recipient of the Melvin Jones award and a member of the fellowship. He was also a dedicated member of the Rotary Club of Lewistown where he served as president from 2002 to 2003. At present, he served as the club photographer and song leader. He received and was a member of the Paul Harris Fellow.

John was a charter member and past president of the Pennsylvania Keysteiners. He served 25 years on the Stein Collections International Board of Directors, and served as their official photographer. In 1992, John received the Jack Heimann Award from the organization.

At present, John was a member of the University Photographers Association of America, Penn State Retired Faculty Club, Lewistown Elks Lodge No.663, Pennsylvania Association of School Retirees, Chairman of Burnham Borough Planning, treasurer of the Mifflin Juniata County Stamp Club, served on the board of directors for the Mifflin County Concert Association, treasurer of the Lewistown High School Class of 1953, and member and past commodore for the Jacks Creek Yacht Club. John was also past president of the Mifflin County Historical Society and was on the board of directors at the time of his death.

John and Robyn have traveled extensively throughout Europe, Russia, South America, the Caribbean, Canada and 48 states. John's passion was taking pictures and going on adventures. He enjoyed meeting and talking to new people; always telling a great story along the way. He loved to laugh, smile and enjoy all the wonderful things life had to offer; especially his family and friends. John will be missed by many.

A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, May 16 at St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church, 120 N. Main St., Lewistown, with Rev. Gary Roth officiating.

A viewing will be held from 3-6 p.m. on Sunday, May 15 at Heller-Hoenstine Funeral Homes Inc., Woodlawn, 200 N. Main St., Lewistown.

Interment will take place in Mt. Rock Cemetery, Lewistown, with military honors provided by the VFW Post 7011, of Lewistown.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in John's memory to Rochester Institute of Technology, Office of Development, 116 Lomb Memorial Drive, Rochester, NY, 14623. Designate to School of Photography.

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