Robert Dale Merlin

Robert Dale Merlin, 57, of Fargo, ND died on Thursday, July 9, 2015 at Sanford Hospital, Fargo, ND. Robert Dale "Burnin " Merlin was born on June 12, 1958 in Pineville, LA to Frank John and Betty Jane (Moras) Merlin. He was raised and attended school in Mansura, LA. When he was 8 years old, he taught himself to play the guitar by ear so. When he left school at the age of 17 he joined a USO band called "Roadhouse Review" and toured many different military bases. Robert also played with some other Louisiana country artists, such as Clint West and G.G. Shin. He then played rock music at O'Banion's for 9 years before forming a band with John Scalia called "Dirty Word" in 1998 when he moved to Mandan, ND. In 2001 he met Melissa in Bismarck, ND. and then they moved to Fargo that same year. They were married on August 16, 2005 at Island Park in Fargo. When Robert retired from his music career he started working at Walmart in the Deli department and remained their until his death. He is survived by his wife, Melissa, of Fargo, daughters: Cassie Lynn (Wesley) Barrentine, of Vernon, AL, Samantha and Helen Arnold, both of Fargo, son Bobby Arnold, of Grafton, ND; 2 grandsons: Brandtley Johnson and Zander Barrentine, both of Vernon and one expected grandchild. Other survivors include his mother Betty (Lamar, Sr.) St. Andrie, of Montgomery, LA, dad Frank (Gayle) Merlin, of Cottonport, LA, sister Natalie (David) Hoopingarner, of Terre Haute, IN, brothers Lamar St. Andrie, Jr., of Montgomery, LA and Tyler James Merlin, of Slidell, LA; nieces and nephews Erin Hoopingarner (Robbie Burks II), David Hoopingarner II and Jesse Lewis; along with several aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. He will always be remembered as an amazing husband, loving father, brother and son-in-law and was loved by many and will be missed dearly. He was preceded in death by his grandparents: Paul and Edna Moras, and Lillian Couvillion. Funeral Monday, July 13, 2015 at 3 PM at West Funeral Home Chapel, West Fargo, ND with visitation one hour prior.