Robert was born in Fayetteville, Arkansas on May 28, 1955 to his parents, James Vernon Mertens and Roma Lee Carr-Mertens. He grew up in Fort Smith, Arkansas and graduated from Southside High School in 1974. In 1975, he enlisted in military duty in the United States Navy and served as a Boiler Technician aboard the USS Roosevelt CV-42 and the Trippe FF1075. His service to his country was serious and dear to him and he was honored by it. After honorable discharge, he entered civilian workforce as a Maintenance Engineer/Technician at two local hospitals and other local companies. He retired in 2015 from First National Bank after 25 years of service.
Bob was famously known for his long, highly-waxed handlebar mustache, as well as his comical shenanigans. Bob enjoyed motorcycles, fishing, tractors and mowing. He was highly mechanically inclined including often fixing things by banging them with a hammer. He loved helping others and often surprised his neighbors by mowing their yards. He loved watching and feeding the birds and squirrels, and kept watch on comings and goings in their cul-de-sac.
Robert married his love and sweetheart, Deborah Nannette DeSoto in 1989, and God blessed them with two fine boys, Seth and Michael ‘Bo’. He attended Excelsior Baptist Church with his family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James Vernon Mertens and Roma Lee Carr-Mertens, and many beloved uncles, aunts, cousins and in-laws.
He is survived by his wife, Deborah Nannette DeSoto-Mertens; his two sons, Seth Lee Mertens and Michael Bodean ‘Bo’ Mertens of the home; two brothers, James A. Mertens and wife, Jennifer of Fort Smith and Douglas L. Mertens of Pocola, Oklahoma and uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins and in-laws.
Funeral service will be 11 a.m., Thursday, March 10 at Excelsior Baptist Church at 3421 Smokey Road in Greenwood with burial at the U.S. National Cemetery under the direction of McConnell Funeral Home of Greenwood. Viewing and visitation with the family will begin at 10 a.m. prior to the service. Bro. Mitch Dulaney will be officiating.
Pallbearers are Seth Mertens, Michael ‘Bo’ Mertens, Bill Daggs, Dustin Myers, Matthew O’Neal and Sean Rock.
