Robert “Bobby” Albert Merkle Jr., of Westport, Washington, passed away at Harbor Regional Health in Aberdeen on April 1st, 2024. He was 56 years old.

Bobby was born in Tacoma, Washington on July 29th, 1967, to parents Robert Albert Merkle Sr. and Linda Jo Eazor (Sienkiewicz). He graduated from Franklin Pierce High School and later went on to become a skilled carpenter. He started his own business, Elkrem Construction, in 1997 and worked until he retired in 2009. He married the love of his life, Barbara “Jeannie” Tipsword, on February 1st, 2014 in Westport, Washington. Bobby was also an ordained minister and an avid hunter and fisherman, who also had a penchant for needlepoint, rock painting and spending time with his beloved grandchildren.

Bobby is preceded in death by his parents, Robert Merkle Sr. and Linda and his brother, Jason Merkle.

He is survived by his wife, Jeannie Merkle of Westport; son Zachary Albert Merkle of Graham, Washington; daughter-in-law Annie Merkle; stepsons Jesse Van Sickle and Russell Van Sickle; stepdaughters Jennifer Pelton and Mikayla Homan; stepfather, Greg Easor; nephew Hunter Merkle; and grandchildren Ryder Merkle and Paisley Merkle; Justice Pelton, Brosnan Pelton, and Arcadian Pelton; and Asher Van Sickle and Zella Van Sickle, and his beloved pets: Lola, Ted, Lilly, Chester, Macaroni and Sweet Pea.

Bobby’s family and friends will celebrate “Bobby’s Day” on Saturday. May 18th at 1:00 p.m. at the Kila Hana Campground in Westport, Washington. Memorial donations can be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

Cremation arrangements are under the care of Harrison Family Mortuary.