KVSV

Merlin Fobes, 81

Merlin Dale Fobes was born on August 17, 1939 at the family home in Solomon Rapids near Beloit, Kansas, the son of Roy and Trella Shane Fobes. He died Sunday, November 22, 2020 at Hilltop Lodge in Beloit at the age of 81.
Merlin grew up attending country schools before attending and graduating from Beloit High School. Following graduation, he attended Kansas State University, earning a certificate in Agricultural Science, then returned home to run the family farm. Due to injuries from a horse accident when he was younger, Merlin was forced to leave farm work and returned to college, earning a Civil Engineering and Surveying degree from Kansas Technical Institute. He then worked with Wilson and Company as a Surveyor until he retired. Upon retirement, he opened his own hunting business, Solomon Rapids Outfitters.
On November 22, 1973, he had his first date with the love of his life, Jacqueline "Jackie" Cole, and on April 6, 1974, they were united in marriage. They were privileged to spend more than 44 years of marriage together until she died in December, 2018.
Merlin was very active in the community, serving on many city and county boards, the FFA board, Fair board, and the Farmway Credit Union board, as well as serving as a volunteer fireman. He was also an avid hunter and fisherman throughout his life. He and Jackie loved to travel and were proud of the fact that together they had visited 48 states, Canada, and Mexico. They spent nearly 10 years traveling the US during their retirement until he became too sick to continue traveling when they returned to Beloit, where they spent their final days.
In addition to his wife Jackie, he was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Darrell; and two sisters, Doris Gorman and Phyllis Fobes.
Merlin is survived by one son, Derek of Jewell; two daughters, NiCole Fitzgerald and her husband Ronnie of Beloit, and Misti Tyson and her husband Jules of Tampa, Florida; five grandchildren, Genesis, An'Aliyah, Jakobi, Coleton, and Irene; one sister, Bernita Garst of Salina; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Family-only funeral services will be on Monday, November 30 at the Roberts Family Funeral Home. Public graveside services will be at 11:30 AM Monday, November 30 at Elmwood Cemetery in Beloit. Visitation will be from 1-7 PM Sunday, November 29 at the funeral home. Memorials may be given to the Beloit First Christian Church, Cornerstone Foundation, or USD 273 Educational Foundation.
Roberts Family Funeral Services, Beloit, is in charge of arrangements.
Condolences may be left at: www.robertsfamilyfs.com

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Beloit, KS 67420, USA