Robert B. Merrill 1939-2007

Robert Bailey Merrill was born on Jan. 2, 1939, in Eagar, and that is where he was laid to rest Saturday. He died Oct. 24, 2007, in Mesa.

Robert (or Bob, as most knew him), excelled in school and was offered a four-year Music scholarship to Arizona State College, later known as Northern Arizona University. He loved music and continued to share his talents throughout his life. In 1959, Bob enlisted in the U.S. Army Security Agency and spent his time in the service as a cryptologist and analyst. While stationed in Japan he claimed that his area could intercept foreign intelligence then decipher and analyze it before the original message reached its intended recipient. Highly qualified, he was later assigned as a chief training instructor at the National Security Agency in Washington, D.C.

After leaving the Army, Bob spent several years in Flagstaff, and then moved to Cottonwood, where he had ownership in several businesses and worked for many years. Recently, he moved to Mesa to be closer to family.

Bob is survived by his dear wife Loa Allen, children; Kaylene (Ted) Hardy, Stephen (Marleen) Merrill, Brian (Carolanne) Merrill, Russell (Jeanette) Skouson, Buckley (Angela) Merrill, Aislynn (Greg) Rose, Nissa Merrill, 22 grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and many extended family members.