Robert Eugene Merrifield, 78, entered eternal rest on Jan. 21, 2021, at his home in North Myrtle Beach, S.C., with his loving fiancée, Helen Mitchell, by his side. A Fairmont native, Robert was born Aug. 28, 1942, a son of the late Arthur Glen and Margaret Ellen (Korsh) Merrifield.
He is survived by his son, Justin Wesley Merrifield and wife Monica, of Morgantown; a granddaughter, Jada Paige Merrifield and grandson, Raidin Sahgal; one brother, Arthur Charles Merrifield and wife Sharon; and one niece Cheryl Lynn Merrifield, all of Schererville, Ind.
In addition to his parents, Robert was preceded in death by his nephew, Mark Merrifield.
Robert was a 1960 graduate of Fairmont Senior High School and later attended Fairmont State College. He was a graduate of the United States National Mine Health and Safety Academy (MSHA) in Beckley. Until his retirement, he was both a roof control specialist and special investigator with the Mine Safety and Health Administration, working out of the Saint Clairsville, Ohio, office and later from the Morgantown office following his move to Shinnston.
Robert was an avid golfer and Mountaineer fan, and, in his younger years, photography was a beloved hobby of his. More than anything, he loved spending time with family members he cherished.
He was a Master Mason of Blue Lodge 66 in Cambridge, Ohio, earned his 32nd Degree in the Scottish Rite in the Valley of Cambridge, and became A Noble of the Mystic Shrine in Osiris Shriners, of Wheeling.
Visitation for friends and family will be held at Ross Funeral Home, 801 Fairmont Ave., Fairmont, from 3-7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 28 and from 10 a.m. Friday, Jan. 29 until noon with a funeral service immediately following. The Rev. Stanley Merrifield will officiate. As per Robert’s request, he will be cremated after the service.
Memorial contributions in Robert’s memory may be made to the Shriners Hospital for Children.
Condolences:
www.rossfh.com
