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 lifelong 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 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent in Bob’s name to Harbor Hospice.
