Robert Hart Merriam

Robert Hart Merriam, 86, of Owensboro passed away Friday, March 30, 2012 at Owensboro Medical Health System. Born in Staten Island, New York, the son of the late Samuel and Blossom Hood Merriam, he grew up in Washington, D.C. A U.S. Navy veteran of World War II, he received a degree in electrical engineering from Virginia Technical University. Following graduation, he joined General Electric from which he retired following a career of 42 years. Since his retirement, Mr. Merriam owned Hart Microwave, a consulting engineering company. He was a member of the Owensboro Lions Club and dedicated the past 30 years to Volunteer Optometric Service to Humanity, participating in 74 eyeglass mission to Latin and South America. He was a long-time member of Settle Memorial United Methodist Church and its Bible Diggers Sunday school class and was a member of the Sanctuary Choir for 38 years. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Margaret Merriam.

Mr. Merriam is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Shirley Merriam; his children, Sue Merriam of Worcester, MA, Hart Merriam of Raleigh, NC, and Russ Merriam of Lake Charles, LA; his grandsons, Eric Merriam, Daniel Merriam, Tony Merriam, Nick Merriam, and Lucas Merriam; and three nieces.

The memorial service for Mr. Merriam, officiated by Rev. Darren Brandon and Rev. Jim Keegan, will be at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday in the chapel of Settle Memorial United Methodist Church, where friends may call from 10:00 a.m. Ennichement will be in Owensboro Memorial Gardens Mausoleum. Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to the Choir Fund of Settle Memorial United Methodist Church. Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of arrangements. Messages of condolence may be placed at www.glennfuneralhome.com.