Robert L. "Bob" Mercker

Robert L. Mercker, 82, of Marion, Indiana died on Tuesday, January 1, 2019. He was born on March 6, 1936, the third son of the late Henry and Helena (Ramsperger) Mercker in Huntingburg, Indiana. Bob graduated from Petersburg High School in 1954, then attended Purdue University where he received a BS degree in Pharmacy in 1958. He worked as a pharmacist for 52 years, served in the U.S. Army at Fort Sam Houston in Texas and was discharged with an honorable discharge. He moved to Marion in 1960 where he lived until his death. Robert opened Mercker’s Drugland in Gas City, Indiana on June 15, 1967 and then doubled the size in 1969 with a Hallmark Gold Link Store. There, they sold toys, fabric, and gifts until he sold the store on October 1, 1993. His favorite quote from customers was, “If Mercker’s don’t have it, it’s probably not made.” After selling the store, he spent 15 years working at the VA Medical Center in Marion in the pharmacy. He was selected Indiana Pharmacist of the Year in 1988. He served as Republican precinct committeeman for 12 years. Robert was a lifelong member of Elks Lodge #195, American Pharmaceutical Association, National Association for Retail Druggist, Indiana Pharmaceutical Society, a life time member of Purdue University Alumni, Purdue University President’s Council, Bonita Men’s Club, Fairmount United Methodist Church, and an avid John Purdue Club Booster. He served as President of Brookhaven Corporation, Country Lake Estates, and Grant County Pharmaceutical Society, and also served in the board of directors of Sea Isles Condominiums. Since 1994, he and his wife, Janet, have spent the winters in Bonita Springs, Florida. Robert enjoyed his grandchildren, and liked to see them as often as he could. He loved his Purdue Boilermakers and attended most basketball and football home games. He also enjoyed golf, tennis, boating, playing cards, vacations all around the world, and riding his bike. At one time, he owned his own aircraft and was an IFR rated licensed pilot and flew coast to coast, to Nova Scotia, and the Bahamas with family and friends. Robert is survived by his wife, Janet, whom he married on August 14, 1976; son, AJ (Robyn) Mercker; daughter, Lisa Voight; four step sons, Greg (Bonnie) Kistler, Rusty (Susie) Kistler, RJ (Kelli) Kistler, and Brett (Cathy) Kistler; grandchildren, Andrew (Kate) Mercker, Kristin Mercker, Brandon (Amanda) Kistler, Brooke McNutt, Kelly (Daniel) Matthew, Tracy Kistler, Nicole Kistler, Jake Voight; and six great grandchildren. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by one granddaughter, Jayce Cole; one great granddaughter, Khloe Kistler; two brothers, Henry, Jr. and Franklin Mercker. Memorials may be made to the Fairmount United Methodist Church or Purdue University School of Pharmacy Scholarship Fund. A memorial service will be 2:00 p.m. on February 2, 2019 at Fairmount United Methodist Church, 301 South Walnut St., Fairmount, Indiana (46928). A celebration of life service will happen at a later date in Bonita Springs, Florida. Elzey-Patterson-Rodak Home for Funerals, Fort Wayne is handling arrangements.