Robert R. "Bob" Merrill

Robert R. "Bob" Merrill, 85, of Watsontown, passed away peacefully Friday, April 4, 2014 at his home surrounded by his family.

He was born November 8, 1928 in Watsontown, the son of the late Fred and Kathryn (Hyde) Merrill. On January 21, 1961 he married the former Shirley M. Artley, who survives. Together they celebrated 53 years of marriage.

Bob attended Watsontown High School. He worked as an electrician for Chef Boy-Ar-Dee, Milton, retiring in 1991.

He was a member of the Watsontown United Methodist Church.

Bob was a Captain of the US Coast Guard Auxiliary and taught boat safety courses and did patrols in Cape Cod, NJ and at Lake Wallenpaupack. He was a member of the Watsontown Fire Company and taught scuba diving to the members. Bob was an Auxiliary policeman in the Watsontown area for 31 years and was active as a constable in Delaware Township. He was a member of the NRA and a black powder champion. In his younger years he would spot planes for the US Air Force from the shack at the Watsontown Cemetery.

He enjoyed being a cub scout leader and den master and obtained the rank of eagle scout. Bob was the first referee for AYSO soccer and a little league baseball coach.

Surviving in addition to his wife are three sons and two daughters-in-law, Fred and Linda Merrill, of Watsontown, Richard Merrill, of Lewisburg and Mike and Shirley Merrill, of Muncy; two daughters, Linda Hopkins, of Huntersville and Donna Barto, of Hughesville; eleven grandchildren, Randy, Bobby, Richard and Chad Merrill, Shelia Nye, Wayne Waltman, Chris Barto, Chris Merrill, Dave Fredericks, Melody Vognetz and Michelle Ebner; and ten great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 7 p.m. Friday at the Watsontown United Methodist Church, 1319 Eight St. Drive, Watsontown.

The family will provide the flowers and suggests memorial contributions be made to Evangelical Hospice, One Hospital Drive, Lewisburg, PA 17837.

The family is being assisted by Cronrath-Grenoble Funeral Home, 308 Main St., Watsontown.