Obituary
Robert “Bob” Merdian, 63, of Lee’s Summit, MO, passed away on February 24th, 2025 in the comfort of his home and in the presence of his family.
Bob was born in Chicago, Illinois to Donald and Lois Merdian. He was raised alongside his older siblings, Stuart and Diane. In 1965, the Merdian family moved to Overland Park, KS. Bob attended Shawnee Mission South High School where he started dating his forever sweetheart, Gretchen. Bob’s passion for music bloomed, and he proudly led the drumline as section leader. While working as a barge line deck hand on the Missouri River, he furthered his education through studying architecture and computer sciences at Kansas State University and University of Kansas. Bob graduated with a degree in Computer Science. Bob was passionate and hard-working, pursuing his career as a data systems administrator for Hallmark, IBM, Kyndryl and other Kansas City companies.
Bob and Gretchen’s relationship developed into a life long commitment. They were married for 39 years. They moved to Lee’s Summit, MO where they started a family of their own and had four beautiful boys: Daniel, Joseph, Donald, and James. He had a wide range of passions including music, boating, motorcycles, golfing, electronics, and marksmanship. His highest valued passion, however, was his family. Bob will always be remembered for sharing perspective and guidance to countless of others who grew up alongside his immediate family. He acted as a father figure to many and he will always be remembered as “Papa”. Bob had many titles throughout his life, but above all, his favorite was “Papa”. Everyone who was close to Bob knew he was a selfless, caring, and compassionate family man who was always willing to sacrifice for the ones he loved.
While Bob left us far too soon, the lasting impact he has left on those around him will always remain. The legacy he leaves behind goes much further than just his four sons, and his memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved him dearly. His loving spirit is carried on through his wife, children, and grandchildren. Bob was considerably loved and will be significantly missed by his mother, siblings, nieces, nephews, and all other family and friends.
Bob was preceded in death by his father, Donald Merdian, Aunts and Uncles. He is survived by his mother, Lois; siblings, Stuart (Sharon), Diane (Jason); wife Gretchen; his four children Danny (Alex), Joey, Donny (Meagan), and Jimmy (Katie); and his two beloved grandchildren, Benjamin and Lukas.
To honor the memory of Bob, a mass will be held at Our Lady of the Presentation Catholic Church in Lee’s Summit, MO on May 16th, 2025 at 10:00 AM and will be followed by a gathering at the Merdian family home the next day, May 17th, 2025 at 12:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent in Bob’s name to Harbor Hospice.
Condolences
Visitation
Saturday, May 17, 2025
12:00 p.m. Gathering at the Merdian Family Home
Services
Friday, May 16, 2025
10:00 AM Mass
Our Lady of the Presentation Catholic Church
130 NW Murray Road
Lees Summit, MO 64082
Lees Summit, MO 64082
Dear, sweet Gretchen – Eric and I send our deepest condolences for your heartbreaking loss. Bob was a good man, and your son’s were so blessed to have had such a wonderful dad.
gretchen,i am so sorry,bob was a wonderful man,devoted husband and father,he will be missed,please know you and your entire family is in our thoughts and prayers,i am so sorry.
Gretchen, I’m so sorry for your loss. We were so fortunate to be around “Bobby”. It’s hard to lose a childhood best friend but it also brings-up great memories! Did you know that he used to come across the street to see what we were having for dinner… just in case my Mom was cooking something more appealling than what Lois was making?! Always looking for the best in life. LOL
I sure hope everyone remembers him with a big smile. It’s pretty easy.
Bob and I had such a great time in high school, and his leadership of The Drum Line was second to none. Loved hanging out with him and the other drummers and just thinking of those times brings a smile to my face. The world is a more boring place without him. Much love to you Gretchen and your family in this difficult time.
Dearest Gretchen and your beautiful family. We are very sorry for your loss. Our hearts go out to you at this difficult time. Greg and I have so enjoyed our friendship throughout the years. We love your family very much and will cherish our memories of Bob. He was a wonderful man! Please know that you are all in our hearts and prayers. Much love and many hugs!!!
Dear Gretchen and “the boys” ,
I know this has to be such a difficult time for you all but just know that you have family and friends here that love you all so much! Although, your dad is in a better place, i will continue to pray for your hearts and for your strength to go forward. Cherish all those great memories you have with him!