David Laurance Mertins, 53, of Orlando, FL passed away Thursday, October 5, 2017.

David was born in Pensacola, FL on April 15, 1964 to Dorothy (Nobles) Mertins and Christian Carl Mertins, Jr. A graduate of Catholic High School, David received his under Graduate Degree at the University of Florida where he was a member of the Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity, his Bachelors of Fine Arts in Film from the University of Central Florida in 1989. Upon graduating David was employed with Vanco and PRG Event and Technology Services. One of the highlights of David's career was assisting with the lighting design of the Saturn Five Rocket Exhibit at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. His skills were also used at many of the venues at Universal Studios in Orlando and Walt Disney World. He was a member of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Motion Picture Technicians, Artist and Allied Crafts of the United States it's territories and Canada, Local Union 835 and 631.

David enjoyed cooking, surfing, fishing, camping and anything having to do with music. He looked forward to an annual event held on St. George Island which allowed him to spend time with his wide circle of friends. If there was a University of Florida Gator game on, you would find him cheering his team on. His energy was infectious and his enthusiasm for living life to the fullest and boundless.

David was preceded in death by his mother, Dorothy (Nobles) Mertins and recently by his father, Christian Carl Mertins, Jr.

He is survived by his first wife, Jill Cunningham; son, Adam David Mertins; wife of 17 years, Ann Mertins; sister, Laura Mertins Garner; brother, Clifton Karl Mertins (Janice); step-sisters, Petrea Palmer Tomko (Joe), and Carolyn Palmer Appleyard (Dick); step-brother, Robert Palmer, III (Marianne) and Ray Palmer (Susan) and step-mother Shirley Bell Mertins.

A Private Family Service will be held.

In lieu of flowers the Mertins Family request memorials be sent to the University of Florida, Sea Grant Foundation: Florida Sea Grant College Program, University of Florida, PO Box 110400, Gainesville, FL 32611-0400.