Robert William Mermis, age 99, of Salina, Kansas, passed away peacefully on February 4, 2025. He was preceded in death by his wife of 72 years Violet Mermis on August 17, 2024.
Robert was born on October 28, 1925, in Walker, Kansas to John A. Mermis and Anna Kisner Mermis. He was a resident of Salina since 1954, having previously lived in McCook, Nebraska. Robert served honorably in the Army Air Corps as a Sergeant from December 1943 to May 1946.
Robert married Violet C. Klaus on June 18, 1952, in Severin, Kansas. He worked as a Sales Engineer at Frisbie Construction Co. in Gypsum, Kansas, for 26 years before retiring in 1992. His career also included employment at Simpson Evans & Laybourn Grain Company.
He was an active member of the community, participating in organizations such as the Knights of Columbus, VFW, Municipal Senior Golf Association, and the Meals on Wheels program. Robert was a devoted member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church.
Robert is survived by sons, Michael Mermis of Watauga, Texas, and Greg Mermis of Kansas City, Missouri; daughters, Patricia Bluhm of Austin, Texas, and Marjorie Horton of Derby, Kansas; brothers, John Mermis of Saratoga, California; sisters, Remigia Quint of Grand Junction, Colorado, and Joan Von Feldt of Victoria, Kansas. He was preceded in death by his brother Clarence Mermis and sisters Irene Berens and Celesta Von Feldt. Robert was a proud grandfather to six grandchildren: Becky Quigley of Great Bend, Kansas, Chris Vroom of Decatur, Texas, Katie Horton of Wichita, Kansas, Beth Horton of Wichita, Kansas, Elke Mermis of Evergreen, Colorado, and Shae Mermis of Brooklyn, New York.
A Mass will be held at St. Mary’s Church on February 15 at 10:00 am, followed by interment at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Section #14. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary’s Building Fund.
Robert will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him.