MERRILL, Robert Bailey (Bob)

The White Mountain Independent Show Low, Arizona 10/30/2007 Robert Bailey "Bob" Merrill died Oct. 24, 2007, in Mesa. He was born Jan. 2, 1939, in Eagar. Bob, as most knew him, excelled in school and graduated from Round Valley High School. He 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 Agent 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. High 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 until his passing. "We love him and will miss him. Bob would want us to remember the words of his father which he often repeated. 'If we leave a place better than we found it, we will always be welcome back.'" He is survived by his dear wife, Allen; children Kaylene (Ted) Hardy, Stephen (Marleen) Merrill, Brian (Carolanne) Merrill, Russell (Jeanette) Skouson, Buckley (Angela) Merrill, Aislynn (Greg) Rose, Nissa Merrill; 22 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. His parents Perry Earl Merrill and Hellen Harriet Bailey, preceded him in death. A graveside memorial was held at Eagar Cemetery Saturday, Oct. 27. Allen Funeral Home and Vernon Mortuary handled arrangements.