Bob was the youngest child of the late Charles Martin Merkt and Clara Selma Merkt. He is survived by his sister, Bert Seuberling, and preceded in death by his brother, Carl Merkt and sister, Ruth Klasemeir. Bob was married to Marilyn Myers on June 20, 1953. He was the beloved husband of Marilyn for over 61 years. His children, Debbie Whitacre (deceased), Linda Specht and Matthew Merkt, all lived in the Cincinnati area for most of their lives. He is survived by his seven grandchildren, Jessica Whitacre, Stephanie Hood, Gabrielle Merkt, Arielle Merkt, Isabelle Merkt, Lemuel Merkt and Cemuel Merkt, and one great grandchild, Loren Emerson. At the age of 8, Bob began his working career as a caddy at Macketewah Country Club, which gave him the opportunity to learn how to play golf for free, and he loved it. He worked there through High School. After college, Bob began working at the Cincinnati Enquirer before Uncle Sam called him to serve with the 101st Airborne Division of the Army in 1952-1954. His entire company of 300 men were sent to Korea, but his God-given artistic abilities kept him from going to Korea because artists were needed to draw and paint Training Aids materials for new trainees. Being stationed in Kentucky most of the time, also allowed him to spend weekends with his new wife in Cincinnati. After discharge, he returned to work at the Cincinnati Enquirer as the Advertising Art Director for 42 years until retirement in 1993 at the age of 62. He also ran a freelance business specializing in photography and artwork for realtors and car dealers. In 1954 he designed the big Chief Pontiac Indian for Jake Sweeney as a newspaper ad. It was later made into the 50' sign that still stands today "where Paddock meets Vine at the big Indian Sign" in Carthage. His artistic talents are displayed in every room of their home. He has also gifted many of his original art pieces to friends and family. Bob and Marilyn began to read and study literature from the Worldwide Church of God, and were invited to attend in December of 1971. They were baptized together in February of 1972. They came into the Philadelphia Church of God together in March of 1997, and attended the Cincy-Dayton congregation. The Merkt family moved from Cincinnati to their new farm in Kentucky in 1977. There Bob enjoyed many wonderful years with his family and his Massey Ferguson tractor, which provided many hours of fun-filled stress-relief. During this time, he continued working in Cincinnati. With heart problems which began in 1990, he was unable to continue working and living on the farm, so took an early retirement and moved back to Cincinnati. He led a very full life, visiting many countries, and taking thousands of pictures which document his family, friends and travels. His heart problems did not interfere with his full lifestyle until recent years, when his breathing and tiredness slowed him down. He died with his wife and daughter by his side at 12:02 pm on December 2, 2014. Bob was the most warm, tender-hearted, kind, gentle and caring man you could ever meet. He will be so greatly missed by all his family and friends.
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