Robert L. Mermis, 57, of Wilson, Kansas, died on Monday, October 29, 2012, at the Salina Regional Hospital in Salina, Kansas.

Robert was born on July 06, 1955, in Russell, Kansas, the son of Elmer and Dolores (Hammerschmidt) Mermis.  He grew up in the Russell area and graduated from Russell High School in 1974.  After graduating high school, he went to work for the Union Pacific Railroad and worked for the railroad for 32 year as a welder.  He met, fell in love and was united in marriage to Carol (Borchert) on August 02, 2011, in Canon City, Colorado.  He was a very active and longtime member of the Russell Muzzle Loaders Association and the KTMA.  He enjoyed spending time hunting, fishing and spending time with his family.  He especially enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren.

Surviving family include his wife Carol of the home; his parents Elmer and Dolores Mermis of Russell, sons Justin Mermis and wife Trisha of Dorrance, Nathan Mermis of Wilson, Kansas, Tony Mermis and wife Crystal of Wilson; stepsons Allen V. Burr and wife Rhonda, Chad Burr and wife Rocio, Brad Burr and wife Robin all of Salina, Kansas; stepdaughter Cherri Hall and husband Kevin of Ocala, Florida; brother Glenn Mermis of Goodyear, Arizona; sisters Karen Ulrich and husband Dale of Sabetha, Kansas, Donna Vlcek and husband Jim and Mary Nuss and husband Monte all of Russell; grandchildren Brady, Blake and Tatum Mermis; step grandchildren Adyson, Carson, Logan, Annabelle, Brady, Brock and Baylor Burr.

A Celebration of Roberts’s Life will be held at 10:30 A.M. Friday, November 02, 2012, at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell with Father Charles Steier officiating.  Burial will follow at the Wilson City Cemetery in Wilson, Kansas.  Visitation will be from 9 AM to 8 PM Thursday, November 01, 2012, at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell with the family present to greet friends from 6 PM to 7 PM Thursday evening.  Memorials may be given to the Russell Muzzle Loaders Association and sent in care of the mortuary.  Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.