Robert N. “Bob” Merritt

Robert N. “Bob” Merritt, 76, passed away on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2008 after a long illness. He was born on Wednesday, September 23, 1931. Bob was raised in Jacksonville and attended Jacksonville High School and Lon Morris College. After serving his country in the Korean War he returned home to marry fellow Jacksonville native, Marjorie Reed on Oct. 15, 1955.Bob made his career in the title insurance industry. After a brief stay in several small Texas towns, he and Margie settled in Monahans, where he owned and operated Ward County Abstract. In 1972, Bob moved his family to Conroe to accept a position as manager of Conroe Title Company, where his knowledge, experience and dedication soon brought him to the attention of national underwriter Old Republic Title Insurance Company. Bob remained with Old Republic until retirement, eventually serving as its southwest regional vice-president. In 1994 Bob and Marjie completed the circle of their travels, retuning home to Jacksonville to live in the home his father had built and in which he was raised. Bob enjoyed his retirement spending time with his family, playing golf, hunting and fishing with old friends, delighting in his grandchildren, and serving the Lord and his community as an active member of the First United Methodist Church of Jacksonville. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Herbert Merritt and Sue Dell Meritt of Jacksonville, and his brothers, Herbert Meritt, Jr. of Carlsbad, Calif. and Lee Thomas Merritt of Palestine. He is survived and much loved by his wife of almost 53 years, Marjorie Merritt of Jacksonville; his sisters-in-law Blanche Meritt of Carlsbad Calif. and Ruby Nell Meritt of Palestine; by his children Glynna Sue White and spouse Robert White of Spring and Marianne Merritt and partner Bonnie Patton of Georgetown; and by his grandchildren, Bryan White, Garrett White, Reese Merritt and Savannah Merritt and by numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 18, 2008 at Autry Funeral Home 1025 SE Loop 456 in Jacksonville, Texas. Funeral Services are scheduled for 2 p.m. Friday, Sept. 19, 2008 at Autry Funeral Home, Jacksonville followed by a graveside service at Earle's Chapel Cemetery in Ironton. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made in Bob’s memory to the First United Methodist Church 1031 SE Loop 456 Jacksonville Texas 75766. Published in the Jacksonville Daily Progress from 9/17/2008 - 9/19/2008

Published in the Jacksonville Daily Progress

ROBERT N. (BOB) MERRITT

Funeral for Robert N. (Bob) Merritt, 76, of Jacksonville was at 2 p.m. Sept. 19, at Autry Funeral Home. A graveside service followed at Earle's Chapel Cemetery.

Mr. Merritt, 76, died Sept.14. He was born Wednesday, Sept, 23, 1931. He grew up in Jacksonville and attended Jacksonville High School and Lon Morris College. After serving in the Korean War, he returned home to marry fellow Jacksonville native, Marjorie Reed on Oct. 15, 1955. Mr. Merritt worked in the title insurance industry. After a brief stay in several small Texas towns, Mr. and Mrs. Merritt settled in Monahans, where he owned and operated Ward County Abstract.

In 1972, he moved his family to Conroe to accept a position as manager of Conroe Title Company, until he joined the national underwriter Old Republic Title Insurance Company. He remained with Old Republic until retirement, eventually serving as its southwest regional vice-president. In 1994 they returned to Jacksonville. He was a member of the Jacksonville First United Methodist Church. Preceding him in death were his parents, Herbert Merritt and Sue Dell Merritt; and his brothers, Herbert Merritt Jr. and Lee Thomas Merritt.

Survivors are his wife of almost 53 years, Marjorie Merritt of Jacksonville; his sisters-in-law Blanche Merritt of Carlsbad, Calif. and Ruby Nell Merritt of Palestine; his children Glynna Sue White and spouse Robert White of Spring and Marianne Merritt and partner Bonnie Patton of Georgetown; and grandchildren, Bryan White, Garrett White, Reese Merritt and Savannah Merritt; numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church 1031 SE Loop 456 Jacksonville 75766.

September 24, 2008

Information from The Cherokeean Herald