Bobby Merritt
April 7, 1942 — March 31, 2022
Bobby Joe Merritt passed peacefully at his home with family at his side in Las Cruces on March 31, 2022. Bobby was born on April 7, 1942 in Birmingham, AL to the late Tom and Mary Merritt. The family moved to Roswell, NM in 1951. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother Tommy. Bobby married Elizabeth "Betty" Miller on December 16th, 1962 in Roswell, NM. Th...
Bobby Joe Merritt passed peacefully at his home with family at his side in Las Cruces on March 31, 2022. Bobby was born on April 7, 1942 in Birmingham, AL to the late Tom and Mary Merritt. The family moved to Roswell, NM in 1951. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother Tommy. Bobby married Elizabeth "Betty" Miller on December 16th, 1962 in Roswell, NM. They later moved to Alamogordo, NM where he went to work for the Holsum Bread Company later relocating to Las Cruces, NM where he became their youngest route supervisor. Answering an ad in the newspaper looking for partners in a new hamburger stand named "Sonic" he made the decision to change careers and partnered to open his first Sonic Drive-In on El Paseo Rd on March 23rd, 1973 where it still exists today. His devotion to providing opportunity for others was his passion and his favorite phrase was "we are not in the burger business; we are in the people business". Over the next 50 years of his career, he expanded Sonic into an additional 6 states and became one of the largest independently owned franchisees in the chain. He received numerous awards form Sonic including their highest honor, as well as going on to Chair the Executive Franchise Advisory Council for over a decade. Outside of his passion for Sonic he was devoted to his family and grandchildren. Bobby is survived by his loving wife Betty; brother JD (Carole); daughters Robin Stamnos (Michael Burke) and Kristi Grant; his s...
Bobby Joe Merritt passed peacefully at his home with family at his side in Las Cruces on March 31, 2022. Bobby was born on April 7, 1942 in Birmingham, AL to the late Tom and Mary Merritt. The family moved to Roswell, NM in 1951. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother Tommy. Bobby married Elizabeth "Betty" Miller on December 16th, 1962 in Roswell, NM. They later moved to Alamogordo, NM where he went to work for the Holsum Bread Company later relocating to Las Cruces, NM where he became their youngest route supervisor. Answering an ad in the newspaper looking for partners in a new hamburger stand named "Sonic" he made the decision to change careers and partnered to open his first Sonic Drive-In on El Paseo Rd on March 23rd, 1973 where it still exists today. His devotion to providing opportunity for others was his passion and his favorite phrase was "we are not in the burger business; we are in the people business". Over the next 50 years of his career, he expanded Sonic into an additional 6 states and became one of the largest independently owned franchisees in the chain. He received numerous awards form Sonic including their highest honor, as well as going on to Chair the Executive Franchise Advisory Council for over a decade. Outside of his passion for Sonic he was devoted to his family and grandchildren. Bobby is survived by his loving wife Betty; brother JD (Carole); daughters Robin Stamnos (Michael Burke) and Kristi Grant; his son Kenneth (Wendy); grandchildren Megan Gutierrez (Jeremy), Derek Stamnos, Justin Stamnos, Ryan Burkett (Felicia), Elliot Burkett, Samantha Trojano (Mark), John Underwood; and great grandchildren Kasandra Navarrete, Blaine Weedman, Peyton Weedman, Francis Trojano, Aidree Gutierrez. He is also survived by his large, extended Sonic family. A very special thank you to all the amazing people who provided care, comfort and compassion over the last few months, Chloe, Cindy, Corine, Yohana, Josh, Lisa, Rachel, Ramona, Rosenda, Wendy, and Zoey. Where would we be without your selfless giving and attention. Endless thanks to all you do; your tireless, heartfelt, and genuine care went beyond any expectations. In lieu of flowers please consider donating to Mesilla Valley Hospice | Kindful Service Information
Friday, April 8, 2022 1:00pm,
Getz Funeral Home Chapel
1410 E. Bowman Ave.
Las Cruces, NM 88001
Interment Location
Hillcrest Memorial Gardens
Address Not Available
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