Robert Joseph Merkel

He was born in Waycross, Georgia on July 23, 1932 and spent his early years in the Jacksonville area. Bob was a decorated veteran of the United States Air Force, serving his country for 26 years, flying as a boom operator on KC-97’s and then on KC-135’s with hundreds of missions flown, earning numerous service awards including Air Force Good Conduct, Army Good Conduct, Air Force Outstanding Unit, Korean Service Medal, National Defense Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Service Medal and Air Force Longevity Service to mention a few, before transferring to Civil Engineering as a NCOIC so he could spend more time with his family (he once stated that he spent 13 of his first 15 years on either TDY or on alert) retiring as a Master Sergeant. Following retirement he returned to the Beaches area and worked briefly in the automotive field and as a security guard.

Bob spent time traveling and enjoyed many outdoor activities and reading. He had much love for his family and will be truly missed. He was predeceased by his parents Emil “Joe” and Margaret Merkel.

Bob is survived by his cherished wife, the love of his life, Barbara Estella Harris, whom he was married to for 57 years. Other survivors include a daughter, Debbie, and sons Randy (Rita), Rick, Johnny (Donna), and Chad. He is also survived by his grandchildren Shane, Tonya, Lynn, Kimberly, Andrea, Keith, Christine, Stephanie, Stephen, Earl, and Weston, and his great grandchild Cadence. Additionally, Bob leaves to cherish his memory his sisters-in-law, a brother-in-law, numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A memorial service with military honors will be held at 1:00pm Sunday, January 21, 2018, at Greenlawn Funeral Home, 4300 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32207. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.

Arrangements are under the care of Hardage-Giddens Greenlawn, 4300 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32207.