Mercer - Robert E. "Bob" Philson, passed away peacefully in his home Oct. 26, 2025, surrounded by family. He was 92.

Robert was born March 9, 1933, to Jones E. and Evelyn E. Philson in Mercer.

He graduated from Mercer High School in 1951 and served in the U.S. Army from 1953-1955 during the Korean War.

Robert married the former Mary Jo Lee June 15, 1955. They lived in the Mercer/Jackson Center area where they raised their family. They were married for 69 years.

Bob retired from Cooper Energy Services in Grove City in 1995 with 43 years of service as a general foreman.

Bob was a founding member of Living Word Fellowship in New Wilmington. His Christian faith was central to his life. He also served on the school boards of Mercer and Lakeview school districts for 12 years.

Robert is survived by two daughters, Vicki Loette Narlee and Katherine JoAn Philson, and a son, Eric Leroy (Amy) Philson, all Mercer. Also surviving are 16 grandchildren, Jennifer Horstman, Polk, Andrew (Keri) Narlee, Kennerdell, Raymond Narlee, Jackson Center, Spring (James) Barish, Stoneboro, Timothy (Andrea) Leksell, Fredonia, Tara Faler, Marlinton, West Virginia, Jaimee Jewell, New Castle, Fawn (David) Moore, Charleston, Robert Lubonovich, Saint Robert, Missouri, Jeremiah Lee Philson, Mercer, Joel (Cassandra) Philson, Grove City, Gwendolyn (Michael) Ceasar, Englewood, New Jersey, Emma (David) Eliyahu, Tidioutte, Isobel Philson, Mercer, Elisha Philson, Mercer, and Eleanor Philson, Mercer.

In addition to his parents, Robert was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Jo, son, Lee Edwin Philson, daughter, Elizabeth Joy Boyer, brother, William Philson, grandson, Joshua Philson, and great-grandson, Joshua Eliyahu.

He is also survived by 26 great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren.