Robert Willms Merrill
July 17, 1934 - October 29, 2025
Robert Willms “Bob” Merrill passed away on October 29, 2025. Bob was born on July 17, 1934 to parents Lyndall and Dorothy Merrill. He and his older sister Janice Merrill Coates were aways very close.
Bob was an adventurous young man growing up and was always involved in sports. During high school he played basketball and baseball and was in student government. After graduating from Modesto High School, he entered UC Berkeley as a scholar athlete where he pitched and played first base on the baseball team. He was a member of the Delta Upsilon fraternity, making many friends and creating lots of stories. It was at UC Berkeley that he met the woman of his dreams, Marcia Montgomery, on a blind date. After that date Bob always said that he never went out with anyone else. Bob and Marcia were married in 1959 and celebrated 63 years of marriage.
Bob graduated with a degree in Horticulture and worked for Diamond Walnut Growers for 32 years ending his career as Vice President of Member Services, where he was responsible for grower relations. Bob always enjoyed his time out in the field talking directly with the growers.
Bob continued to farm his walnuts and grapes in Lockeford for over 60 years. Aside from spending time with his family, there is nothing more that he enjoyed than the Saturday morning breakfasts with his farming buddies from Linden and Lockeford. They ate and solved the world’s problems, or maybe they made more problems, listening to their stories.
Marcia passed away in 2022. Bob is survived by sons Monty (Lauri) and Mike (Rhonda), five grandchildren Jeff (Lindsey), Lyndsey (Ben), Hannah, Bryson (McKenzie) and Bryn. Four great grandchildren Logan, Harrison, Elliana and Lainey. Niece Laurie Coates and Nephew Bill Coates (Karen).
No services at his request. Memorial donations to Haggin Museum, Children’s Home of Stockton or a charity of your choice.