Obituary of Rev. Robert Merritt

Rev. Robert “Bob” Merritt

August 17, 1930 – May 26, 2023

Rev. Robert “Bob” Merritt beloved husband of Margaret “Peg” Merritt, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, lived a life of purpose and touched the hearts of all who knew him.

Bob grew up in the town of Carver, MA. As a child, he lived with his family on the property that is known locally as Edaville. Ellis D. Atwood was like a second father to him, mentoring him along the way. As Bob grew, he worked on the cranberry bogs alongside his family and others, nurturing his deep love of the property and cranberry farming. Bob felt part of Mr. Atwood’s vision in the formation of the Edaville Theme Park and in later years asked if he could use it for the annual Edaville Rail Runwhich was established in memory of his daughter, Dorine Merritt. Bob’s love for the people and all things Carver wasreflected in him often referring to it as “God’s country”. 

Bob attended Aurora College in Illinois, receiving his Bachelorof Arts in Ministry degree. While there, he was on the Aurora College baseball team where he became Aurora College’s Baseball Athlete of the Year in 1952. He was invited to spring training for the St. Louis Browns who later became the Baltimore Orioles. An avid catcher, many remember him playing for Carver’s Atwood AA team.

Rev. Merritt’s ministry began with the Advent Christian Church in Auburn, Illinois. Being called to join the United Methodist Conference, he moved to Sadorus, Illinois, taking his first job as a Methodist Minister. At the same time, he was attendingNorthwestern University where he received his Master of Divinity degree from the Garrett Theological Seminary. His last posting in Illinois was at the Fithian United Methodist Church.

In 1970 Rev. Merritt’s dream of returning to Carver came true as he was chosen to serve as their minister. He took on the challenge of merging three denominations into the United Parish of Carver and served this church community for 26 years. After his retirement, he was called to serve part-time for another 13 years at the West Falmouth United Methodist Church. It was during this time he was asked to become the Chaplain for the Town of Carver’s Fire Department, an honor he cherished for many years. 

Bob’s commitment to his family extended to his community. He served three terms as Selectman for the Town of Carver and served on various committees within the Town of Carver’s government. He was co-founder of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Plymouth, served on the South Shore Community Action Council, and fundraised for the Old Home Day Committee. His selflessness and genuine compassion touched the lives of countless individuals, leaving a lasting impact on the community he held dear.

Bob’s passions extended beyond his ministry and community endeavors. As a child, he was an Eagle Scout, and later in life loved spending time in the woods of Maine with his brother Butch as well as the Berkshires with his Carver friends. Although he loved all sports, baseball (the Boston Red Sox) was his favorite with Ted Williams being his Hero. He was a dedicated supporter of youth sports no matter what town he was serving in and received the Carver High School Athletic Hall of Fame’s Citizen of the Year award in 2015. He loved music and singing in church with his strong voice. His love of family prompted many driving trips between Illinois and Massachusetts. Combined with his love of travel, he organized a trip from Massachusetts to Minnesota to gather his sister Nancy and her family to then continue onward while camping his wayacross the country. Many stops were made to see the beautiful sights along the way to the final destination of Washington and his sister Trudy’s home. That was just one of his many adventures.

Rev Bob Merritt’s life was one of service, compassion, leadership, and unwavering faith. His remarkable character, dedication to his family and community, and his strong values serve as an inspiration to us all. His warm smile, infectious laughter, and kind-hearted nature made him a cherished friend to many. He had a remarkable ability to bring people together. His memory will be forever cherished and his impact will continue to shape the lives of those fortunate enough to have known him.Rev. Bob Merritt’s absence will be felt by all.

Bob is survived by his loving wife, Margaret “Peg”; his sister, Nancy Winslow; children, Mike Merritt and wife Penny, Sandra “Sandy” Merritt, Donna Nolan, Sonya Lomax and husband Todd, Judy Sirrico and husband Marc, David Merritt and wife Kim, Richard “Rick” Phippen and wife Lara, Dawn Perdue and husband Mark; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and a host of extended family members. To be remembered are those who are no longer with us: former wife Dorine Ausman Merritt; daughters Dorine Merritt and Penelope “Penny” Martin; brother Rev. Francis ”Butch” Merritt, and sister Trudy Forbes.  

Visitation will be held from 1:00-5:00 PM on Sunday, June 4, 2023, at the United Parish of Carver. The funeral will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, June 5, 2023, also at the United Parish of Carver. Following the funeral, all are welcome to join the family at the South Meadow Village Clubhouse to continue celebrating Bob’s life.  In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in Rev. Robert Merritt’s memory to Habitat for Humanity of Greater Plymouth.