Robert Bob Merchant

Robert ""Bob"" Merchant, 84, of Baytown was born January 3, 1933, in Goose Creek and passed away Saturday, May 6, 2017, in a local hospital. He was a U. S. Army veteran and a very active and longtime faithful member of Redeemer Lutheran Church. He joined the Baytown Police Department in 1958, where he became assistant chief of police in 1982 and served in that capacity until his retirement in 1985. He completed the FBI Academy in Quantico, VA. The Baytown Police Department Robert P. Merchant Police Training Facility was named in his honor and ever the true police officer, he kept his Texas peace officer license current and was still active in his church.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charlie and Ora Merchant and his brother and sisters, Euline Benbow, Maxine Hanson, Frances Marie Merchant, Doris Louise Miller, Charlie Culberson Merchant, Jr., and Ora Jean Kitchen. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Margaret Ann Merchant and daughter, Jamie Merchant Alms and husband, Eddy Jr., all of Baytown; his dog Maggie; and numerous other family members and friends.

His family will receive friends at Navarre Funeral Home Wednesday from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be Thursday, May 11, 2017, at 10:00 a.m. at Navarre Funeral Home with Rev. Paul Newman officiating. Burial will follow at White Cemetery in Highlands.

In lieu of usual remembrances, contributions may be made to Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1200 E. Lobit St., Baytown, TX 77520

To view the online obituary or to post a tribute for the family, go to www.navarrefuneralhome.com

Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of Navarre Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 2444 Rollingbrook Dr., Baytown, TX, 77521 (281) 422-8111.