Ronald E. Mertz

Ronald E. Mertz, a devoted educator, intrepid explorer, and beloved family man, passed away peacefully on May 31, 2026, in Town and Country, Missouri, surrounded by his loved ones. Born on January 29, 1941, in St. Louis, Missouri, Ron lived a life marked by curiosity, dedication, and an enduring passion for understanding people and the world around him.

Ron’s academic journey laid a strong foundation for his long and impactful career in education. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Concordia Teacher's College, followed by a Master of Arts in Anthropology from the University of Missouri at Columbia. He further advanced his scholarly pursuits by obtaining a Ph.D. in Foundations of Education from the University of Arizona at Tucson. This blend of education and anthropology fueled a lifelong fascination with human cultures and learning.

Ron's professional path was as diverse as it was distinguished. Early in his career, he served as Director at Big Cypress Head Start Center for the Seminole Tribe of Florida from 1966 to 1967, demonstrating his commitment to empowering communities through education. His dedication to service continued as a Peace Corps volunteer in Liberia from 1963 to 1965—a chapter of his life that remained among his proudest achievements. Later, Ron contributed as an evaluator for the Friends of Liberia organization and served on the board for Friends of Taiwan of Greater St. Louis, further reflecting his deep ties to global service and education.

In academia, Ron held the role of assistant professor and co-department head of Sociology and Anthropology at Jacksonville State University between 1971 and 1974. He was subsequently a visiting lecturer at the University of Arizona from 1975 to 1977 and a visiting associate professor at Taiwan Provincial College of Education from 1977 to 1978, broadening his international perspective and enriching the lives of many students.

His two-decade tenure at St. Louis Public Schools stands as a testament to his enduring commitment to educational excellence. Beginning as Senior Evaluator (1979-1988), then Assistant Director (1988-1997), and finally as Director of Evaluation (1998-2003), Ron’s leadership helped shape the fabric of education in his hometown. He retired after more than 20 years of dedicated service, leaving behind a legacy of thoughtful innovation and unwavering advocacy for effective evaluation and improvement in public schooling.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Ron was a man of rich personal interests and warm affections. He was inherently curious about people and deeply passionate about travel, embracing both domestic journeys and international adventures. His favorite trips included visits to Tucson with his beloved wife, Pamela, and daughter, Renee, and explorations of ancient world sites, such as the mesmerizing cave paintings in southern France, places where history and humanity’s earliest expressions fascinated him.

Ron also found joy in playing Pinochle with family and friends, as well as in the unique and ancient sport of atlatl throwing, serving as president of the World Atlatl Association and helping to establish the Missouri Atlatl Association, where he also held the presidency. In his more recent years, he delighted in playing shuffleboard with his community at Meramec Bluffs.

Ron’s family was the heart of his life. For 55 wonderful years, he was cherished by his loving wife, Pamela De Voe, who stood steadfastly by his side. Together, they shared a rich life filled with love and exploration. He is also survived by his daughter, Renee DeVoe (Josh Albers) Mertz, who was a constant source of pride and joy. His brothers, Larry (Lila) Mertz and Ernie (the late Mary Lou) Mertz, along with his sister, Carol (Ray) DeVries, and loving nieces and nephews, carry forward the family bond that Ron cherished deeply. His beloved cat, Sophie, too, was a special companion in his later years. Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Clara Mertz (nee Baumer), whose memories he held dear.

Ronald E. Mertz’s life was a tapestry woven with intelligence, compassion, and an insatiable curiosity for the world and its peoples. His contributions in education, his heartfelt service abroad, and the warmth he offered his family and friends leave a lasting imprint on all who knew him. In every role he embraced and every passion he pursued, Ron lived with purpose and care, inspiring others to appreciate the richness of learning and the beauty of human connection. He will be deeply missed but fondly remembered for the remarkable life he led and the kindness he shared.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Please check back for updated service information.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Ron’s honor to The Nature Conservancy.

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