Fullerlove Merridith

Moline, Illinois
Robert E. Merridith, 91, of Moline, Illinois, died Tuesday, December 13, 2011, in OSF St. Anthony?s Continuing Care Center, Rock Island.
Services are 10 a.m. Friday in the Celebration of Life Chapel at Trimble Funeral and Cremation Center, Moline, with Pastor Chuck Dorsey officiating. Burial is in Rock Island National Cemetery. Visitation is 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Rock Island Evening Lions Club Blind Foundation.
Robert Earl Merridith was born April 5, 1920, in West Liberty, Iowa, the son of Melvin Halderman and Maude Theresa Wortner Merridith. He married Wilma Croegaert in 1942, and they were divorced in 1976, but she remained friends and later his caregiver. He served as a Combat Engineer in the U.S. Army in the Philippines and New Guinea in WW II, and was awarded several battle stars. He was parts manager at Herman M. Brown Co., Milan, for 23 years, retiring in 1985
Bob was an active member of Rock Island Evening Lions Club, where he was past president and a life member, and served as state and district bowling chairman for several years. He was a member of Trio Lodge #57, AF & AM, Rock Island, Scottish Rite Bodies, Valley of Moline, Blackhawk Shrine Club, Moose Lodge #190, Rock Island, American Legion Post #246, Moline, VFW Post #1303, Rock Island, Central Turners, Rockford, and had been assistant district Boy Scout Commissioner. He enjoyed bowling and golf, and playing Euchre at the Lions Club.
Bob is survived by two children and their spouses, Donna and Robert Green of Moline, and Gary and Janice Merridith of Rock Island; four grandchildren and their spouses, Chris and Jane Fink, Kevin and Kristine Fink, Suzanne and Vince Ackerman, and Kimberly and Steve Hemley; nine great-grandchildren; and nieces and a nephew and their spouses, Carolyn and Sam Aranday, Kathy and Gene Miller, Marilyn and Kenny Wilson, Jane Davis, and Richard and Kim Davis. He was preceded in death by two brothers and one sister.
Bob?s family invites friends to share stories and condolences and light a candle in his memory at www.TrimbleFuneralHomes.com.