Anthony Merz Obituary

Here´s a photo of Mr. Merz and I when I worked with him at BMMS. We decided to "twin" that day for spirit week. From ages 11-20, Mr. Merz was like a father to me. I will miss him everyday.

I´m so distraught to have not known that Mr. Merz has passed. I am about to be engaged, and I was going to invite him to my wedding.

Mr. Merz was not only my first male teacher in my upbringing, but my favorite teacher. He was my 6th grade teacher at Prairie Park Elementary, and was the only reason I survived that year of school. That was the year I transferred to Lawrence Public Schools from Topeka Public Schools, and I knew no one. Mr. Merz was the first teacher to teach me what it was like to laugh with my classmates, to play with classmates, and to live each day as it came. He was also terrified of mice, in which my entire class made it our mission to scare him every day. I also remember he would super glue any cuts he had, especially on his thumbs. I eventually went back to visit Mr. Merz when he went to SJHS, and even worked with him when I came to be a para when the school turned into Billy Mills. My full condolences to his family, albeit late. He talked about you all with such passionate, I feel his passing as one of my own.

My name is Dirck Leidecker. I worked many years with Terry in the elevator business. Terry and Tony came to visit with me at my home in Descanso CA. I instantly felt comfortable with Tony and it was very obvious that Terry was proud of his son. I often think of Todd and Thad and the time we spent working together in the elevator business. I hope Janice is doing well and my deepest condolences.

A loss of a great teacher who everyone cherished. So sad to hear of his death. He made a difference in so many lives. He was loved by students and parents alike. Rest in true peace of our Lord.

Tony was a great friend and neighbor. He will be missed. Condolences to the family.

This news absolutely breaks my heart. Tony was one of the teachers in Lawrence to have taught or had educational influence on all 4 of kids (LHS Classes of 2015, 2020, and 2024) from Prairie Park Elementary to Billy Mills Middle School along the way. To say that you are missed feels to be the understatement of the year.

Mr. Merz was my 6th grade teacher, with everyone that was in my class, no one was ever left out. He truly was a role model in my life, I will always remember the talks him and I had, he was a wonderful person and, man he had the biggest heart! He truly loved what he did! Took pride joking and messing around with everyone in the school, he was a prankster that's for sure.

Tony was- and remains- a kind, giving person. I remember sitting with him on his back porch several years back, while he grilled sweet potato and steak, talking about school and life and growing up. He was effortlessly funny, endlessly supportive, and beloved by so many people.
Max and I talked about calling you the other day to chat, Tony. I wish I´d called sooner, even just to say hello.

My deepest condolences and sympathies to his enduring family, who I hope find comfort in the well-wishes poured out by us who miss him.

Mr. Merz was my third grade teacher. Even with a class of nearly 30 crazy kids, he managed to make sure each of us felt seen and heard. He truly was an incredible teacher and human being. Us Prairie Park kids always play the song Chicken Fry by Zac Brown Band in honor of the great Merz as he´d often have the song playing before or after the school day. My condolences to his family and friends.

My heart goes out to Caden and Zoe. What a great loss. Curtis and I have so many fond memories of Tony. He always had a smile on his face and kept us laughing. I know he is smiling down on us, for he has earned his wings. We miss you and will continue to keep Caden and Zoe in our prayers. Donna Logan and Curtis Clark

Mr. Merz was my 6th grade science teacher. He filled his classroom with fun and laughter, I was left his classroom with a smile on my face. His humor and positivity fled through to the halls. Even after I had him, he would joke in the hallway with me and say "your socks are untied." That joke continued even when I was in high school when I had to pick up my brother at South. He always had a conversation with me. Now a 19 year old college student at KU, I still call him one of my all time favorite teachers. I share my deepest condolences to his family, may Mr. Merz rest in piece.

Mr. Merz was one of a kind! He loved the kids as much as they loved him and they all felt it! He was a favorite teacher of our family´s and will leave fond memories for us all. Gone way too soon! Much love!

He was my favorite teacher and the only reason I made it through middle school.

the things you´ve said to me and the conversations we had will stay with me forever. You´ve impacted me in the greatest way possible. To the greatest science teacher, Rest in peace Mr. Merz

So sad to see him gone I loved him and his wife so much forever in our hearts south middle school

Tony was a wonderful 4th grade teacher to our son Adrian and was such a loving, joyous, supportive presence not only to his students but to us as parents. What a heartbreaking loss. We are grateful to have had him in our lives when we did. Our deepest condolences to his family with prayers for comfort.

I met Mr.Merz my 4th grade year since he was my older sisters teacher and luckily once i went to middle school he became mine as well. Now as a senior i still remember the kindness and joy that radiated off of him. Rest in peace Mr.Merz my favorite teacher

The world is not as bright without Anthony Merz. I met him as a student in his fourth grade class at Wakarusa Elementary. I will always remember us students arguing over who got to make him coffee in the morning and him making school a place where all kids felt welcome and wanted to be. As time went on, Mr. Merz became a friend, big brother, and mentor. He is a large reason why I went (and made it) to college with the original goal of being a teacher and pushed on to law school. Tony's acts of kindness, his large heart, and endless generosity always brought a smile to peoples' face and made the world better place. Thank you for all the wonderful memories, looking out for me from near and afar, and always checking in. I would not be me without you. Thank you for everything you did for me and so many others. I will miss our conversations and laughs. Rest easy my friend.

Tony Metz was the one bright spot in moving from south jr. high school to middle school. Our constant banter was priceless. I will always think of him with a smile. The world lost a warm heart and a big laugh.

Tony was one of my favorite colleagues and friend while I was at SMS. He shared his room acroos the hall from my computer lab with me so I could teach art in there one class a day. He hooked me up with a good firewood deal from a neighbor. The students loved him, and he always played the "Friday" song for them every week. He was so much fun to be around. I will miss him dearly. My heart goes out to the family and Tony's many friends. Next bonfire will be in his honor

I´m truly blessed to have had the pleasure of knowing Mr. Merz. While he was only my teacher for one year, he never failed to put a smile on my face with his, "hey there rockstar!" I will always happily remember the 6th grade class where he told and taught us ALL to shake hands "like a man," and even the horrors of watching Bug Wars. I´ll remember the pure love the entirety of South Middle School had as we celebrated Merz day each year. To a teacher and a friend- thank you Mr. Merz for allowing the most awkward of years to be filled with so much joy and laughter.

So sad to hear about Tony, he was my son´s teacher at Wakarusa Elementary. He was a great teacher and lots of fun! Always smiling. He was a fun teacher to go on field trips with, I will always remember the memories. Thoughts and prayers to his family.

We were like family when the kids were little and we cherish all those memories. Tony , may you rest in peace knowing you made a difference in so many lives during your short but full time with us.

Tony was the bright spot in my day when we worked together, he always had a smile and something funny to say. His students loved him and he made a lasting impression on them. He was the best and we will all miss him. Rest in Peace friend.

Mr.Merz was my 4th grade teacher, my last year of school at Wakarusa. All these years later, I´ve never forgotten him how much fun he made, and how much he truly cared for all the students.

I have so many great memories of Mr. Merz from Wakarusa. He was definitely a teacher that made an impact on every student he taught!

So sorry to hear this and very sorry for the family's loss. Mr. Merz was my 4th grade teacher. He was a great, so fun to be around.

Seeing your face in the hallway when I can to check on my kiddo was always a highlight of my day. My condolences to your family.

They light if this world shines a little dimmer with the loss of Tony. Lisa and I were extremely lucky to work with Tony for many years. Tony had a gift with students and an impact on all he came in contact. My boots and khakis shorts won't go together anymore ! Caden and Zoey, you are in our thoughts and prayers. Rest in peace friend. Lisa and Lynn Harrod.

Tony was a huge part of my life as are you four Caden, Zoe, Erika, and Janice. I miss my morning coffee with him but I know he will always be with me in my heart. Tony was my brother and one of my best friends. As he always said "It is what it is." Rest in peace in my friend