Frank P. Mertes, 80, of Oakton

»Information from the Money and King Funeral Home and Cremation Services website.

Frank Peter Mertes, of Oakton, passed away on July 19, 2015.

He was the beloved husband of Corinne Mertes for 55 years, father of Sheila Johnson and grandfather of Lisa Johnson.

Born in Chicago, Ill., on April 2, 1935, he received a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill. In 1958 he earned a Master of Science and he earned a Ph.D. in Nuclear Engineering from Iowa State University in 1962.

He then moved to Virginia and was employed by Analytic Services, Inc. from 1962-68. He worked for TRW, Inc. from 1968-1990, where he directed several major projects under contracts to the Department of Defense and other government agencies.

He took an early retirement in 1990 to devote more time to travel and photography.

Frank’s lifelong interest in photography began as a teenager when he built his first darkroom. He was an active member of the Northern Virginia Photographic Society, served as president, and was named Photographer of the Year three times.

More than 60 of his photos have juried into all-media exhibits of the Art League at the Torpedo Factory in Alexandria, the Vienna Arts Society, the Fairfax Arts League and the Arts Council of Fairfax County.

In more than 25 trips to Europe, Frank’s camera was always in his hand. He also photographed extensively in South America, the Orient, Morocco and Kenya, as well as the United States.

Frank’s interest in learning never ceased, and he enjoyed a wide variety of classes offered by the Osher Lifetime Learning Institute at George Mason University. He also was a dedicated bridge player.

He was a long-time member of The Church of the Holy Comforter in Vienna, Va., where he served on the finance committee and as an usher and offering counter.

Funeral services will be held at The Church of the Holy Comforter, 543 Beulah Road, Vienna, Va., on Friday, July 24 at noon. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Capital Caring, 2900 Telestar Court, Falls Church, Va., 22042. Online condolences may be offered to the family at: www.moneyandking.com.