ELLINWOOD — Robert (Bob) E. Merritt, 79, passed away on Sept. 12, 2017, in Ellinwood. Born on Feb. 7, 1938, in Great Bend, he was the son of Clyde S. and Clara E. (Melcher) Merritt. Raised in Ellinwood, he was a former graduate of Ellinwood High School. He later attended Emporia State University. Bob then enlisted in the Air National Guard where he served six years. He was also a former resident of Dallas, Texas, for 50 years where he worked as a purchasing manager for a beverage company. In addition, he worked for the Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Gardens as well as his time volunteering for the Baylor Hospital in Dallas, Texas.
Survivors include son, Craig A. Merritt; daughter, Cindy Merritt; sister, Janice Knop; and two grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; and wife, Gloria Ann Merritt.
Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 15, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Ellinwood with Father Terrance Klein officiating. Burial will follow at Lakin-Comanche District Cemetery in Ellinwood. Visitation will be on from 6-7 p.m. Thursday at Minnis Chapel in Ellinwood with the Rosary/Vigil starting at 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden in care of the funeral home.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Minnis Chapel
P.O. Box 246
Ellinwood, KS 67526
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Sept. 14, 2017