More detail on this person: Robert J. Merritt passed away on June 22, 2017, after a long battle against overwhelming illnesses. He was born February 12, 1938 in St. Louis the eldest child of Joseph Henry and Lorene (Amrhein) Merritt. Bob graduated from Christian Brothers College Military High School (CBC) in 1956 and attended St. Louis and Washington Universities. During college he joined the Missouri National Guard. Following a longheld dream, he earned a pilot license. After his father's death he took over management of the family business, Merritt's Market. In 1963 he volunteered for active duty with the U.S. Army and served at Forts Ord, Benning, Rucker, Leavenworth and Riley. In Vietnam he served in the 1st Air Calvary Division, 227th Assault Helicopter Company and sustained serious injuries after his helicopter was shot down. After a long recuperation period he was able to return to active duty, before reverting back to the National Guard. He retired from the military in 1980 having achieved the rank of Captain. He was awarded the Air Medal, Silver Star, Vietnam Campaign Medal, National Defense Medal, Meritorious Service Medal and the Purple Heart. In 1980 he began a 20-year career as a logistics engineer with McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing). In 2005 Bob was inducted into the CBC Hall of Fame. He was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his sister, Karen (Jack) Luebbert of Chesterfield; brother, Lawrence Larry (Donna) of Nixa, Mo.; niece, Katharine Kati (Mark) Goggin, grandnieces, Alyson and Shea, of Webster Groves and very special friend Lynne Thien of Pasadena Hills. His rescued cat, Cole Bin, will miss him. Services: Visitation will be Thursday, July 6, 2017, 9:30 to 11:00 am at St. Ann Church Normandy, 7530 Natural Bridge Rd., Normandy, MO 63121.. Mass will follow and will conclude with military honors rendered at the church. ORTMANN-STIPANOVICH Service, Arrangements by Kevin and Ellen O'Sullivan. www.osfuneralhomes.com In lieu of flowers, gifts to Christian Brothers College St. Louis and St. Ann Church Normandy, will be appreciated. Interment Calvary Cemetery. So Long. I will see you tomorrow in a world that is free from sorrow. - Bob Published in St. Louis Post-Dispatch on July 2, 2017.
Burial information: Calvary Cemetery and Mausoleum
This information was last updated 07/10/2017
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Date posted on this site: 03/10/2024
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