So sorry to hear of Robert's passing. He was so enthusiastic and upbeat to talk with. He will be greatly missed. Rest in Peace Robert. Karen and Colin Crabbe

Robert was a very good friend of mine in high school and very young adulthood. He helped me through a very difficult time in my life when we were just kids and I have never forgotten him. The few times I was able to visit Beaumont I tried to find him, but never succeeded. I am so sorry for your loss. He was one of the sweetest young men I have known in my life. I will keep your family in my thoughts and prayers.

I’m a father and grandfather to a extraordinary son  and daughter and two joyous little grandchildren and brother to four syblings. I’ve done good work in the world, touching the lives of hundreds of people, and hundreds of children before. I pray I have many more years ahead of me but if I don’t, I can die knowing that I have truly lived. I knew Robert well-enough to know and  from what I’ve read other people writing, it seems perhaps it was. Those who loved him appreciated him deeply, his humor, his fierce love, his devotion. For me, I’m warmed by the memories of our shared emergence, and grateful for the gift he’s given me. I’m grateful to be reminded to live and laugh and love, now. I hope every day of my life going forward will only honor that gift. Robert Wade Meriweather  1958 – 2016 May you rest in peace.

In memory of a childhood friend the first of my childhood group of friends died. He was 58 years old. I don’t even know where to begin writing about this, but clearly I have to write about it. In the next few days after I heard Robert passed, I became increasingly less functional, from feeling shocked and stunned, to quietly lost, to light-headed and shaking, until finally, closing the refrigerator door after searching in vain for something I felt like eating, I collapsed into great heaving sobs. What the hell? Robert and I were close. I knew him as an adult and knew him very well when we were kids. We were friends who shared their pre-adolescence, in all its steamy, raucous, heartfelt curiosity, exploring our independence and hormones with the fervor only middle-schoolers can muster. We stayed close with only a few of each others friends from our different schools. He going to school in Beaumont and myself in Port Neches. Which brings me back to him. He was among my closest confidantes, he is a constant in my memories from the time we were 6yr old to present. He was dream-y cute and found quick entry into anyones heart. I remember him being sort of gangly, sweet, and REALLY funny, a bit goofy too. I remember our parents dropping us off at his parents cabin that his dad, my dad and others helped build. It was on the Neches River. We were to travel down the river in a aluminum boat the next morning and get picked up at the Port Neches Park. We were just 13. Our fathers weren't, but our mothers were hesitant. We ran out of BBs shooting at anything that moved. Desperate for BBs he walked to town (Vidor). It must have been 25 miles. He was like that, in the way he would do anything for a friend. I remember we'd take road trips speraticly. One day we jumped ln my 72 Nova looked at each other he say where  to ? I said north. We drove up to Toledo Bend continued north until we got to Texarkana turned and came home. I remember getting arrested for fighting each other over a girl,we were 19. We were on the ground rolling around and I was telling him we needed to break it up the police were coming. He wouldn't give in. We were thrown in the backseat & tie wrapped. I spent the night in jail while he had someone to post bail. We were in court the next morning faced the judge paid a fine and released. He was stubborn. Cracks me up to think of it now. I thought of that night often. Trying to make meaning of my emotions, I find myself returning again and again to a single image — April fools day at the cabin in Lake view when he was asked by his dad if he had turned the boat over after our syblings couldn't help but telling. Robert replied April fool. Our moms never said a word. After constantly nagging our fathers, his dad wanted to know the truth so Robert confessed we must have been 9 or 10. I’m not sure why my mind settles on that image,nevertheless, I see the scene in stop-motion, our faces and gestures frozen in time. As I scan the circle, the smiles and jeers, it’s clear that none among us would have guessed that, someday,  Robert would be dead at 58. In the darker moments of that last day, I’ve been reminded that I and my childhood friends are at an age where we’ll soon discover who among us will have cancer or heart disease. Unfortunately, we already know at least one who will die young. It’s true that none of us back then could have imagined the tragedies that have occurred, but we also could not have imagined the wonders — the extraordinary adventures, the dance companies founded, the public service, the over-the-moon thrill of being parents. These dreams were forming, but who knew just how glorious our collective lives would be? I, sure as hell, didn’t. So while I grieve and sit with the terrible discomfort of life’s uncertainty, I am grateful to be reminded that now is a time to live. And looking at my life, it’s clear that I am doing exactly that. And that this is a good, good life. I’m a father and grandfather to a extraordinary son  and daughter and two joyous little

Robert and my son Earl went from my house in a little boat all the way to Beaumont and back.They were only about 12 years old. We waited at the Port Neches Park for them to return. It was getting dark and his Mom and I were VERY worried! But they finally pulled in. They visited ships out in the waters in Beaumont. They also kept a log of their adventure. He was very close to my heart. He always called me Sunshine. I will miss him.I know God will be their for him.

Claybar Funeral Homes created a Tribute Video in memory of Robert Wade Meriwether

I just found out about Robert having passed away. I remember Robert, me and Angie Bell driving to New Orleans for the Rolling Stones concert at the Superdome back in the early 80's. He was a nice person as I remember him. God bless his family and friends and ease their sorrow. RIP

My heart goes out to you and I pray that God's peace will be with you during this difficult time. I can see from the photo tribute that you have many memories to cherish of Robert. I also will miss him and his big smile and kindness he always showed to me.

I'm so sorry to hear of the loss of Robert. My prayers go out to all of his family at this difficult time. May God Bless you all. Alan, you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Dear Meriwether Family, Robert and you all are in my thoughts and Prayers. May God ease your sorrow and give you the blessing of your cherished memories. Mickey Phelan

63 files added to the album LifeTributes

Merri Walsh purchased the Amazing Arboricola for the family of Robert Wade Meriwether.

Robert I will miss you. So will brother, Peter & niece Hannah. We had good times sitting around laughing, talking and just having fun. You were always nice and kind to everyone you met. You were loved by us and everyone we knew that had the opportunity to meet you. You will be greatly missed.

Robert you already are so greatly missed by so many of us! Wishing I could see that Big Wave and Loving Smile one more time! To Paula, Carly, Colby and Cory know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. For those wonderful grandchildren who were the biggest part of his smile just know how much he loved you!

He was a cool guy and a great conversationalist. Every conversation we ever had was intelligent and he always made me laugh and I left knowing something new.

The Anderson Family purchased the Simply Elegant Spathiphyllum for the family of Robert Wade Meriwether.

Robert may you rip I remember the trips to the beach and the cruch I always had on you donna

Lot of great memories...sweet person..fun to be around!

Sam & Susan LeBlanc lit a candle in memory of Robert Wade Meriwether

I've known Robert since he was about 16 years old, I've never seen him not smiling. Its been over 12 years since I last saw him @ the parts department @ the Chevrolet dealership in Beaumont, we had a lengthy discussion including a laugh about him coming to get many hair cuts from me when I was about 16 to 17, I wasn't a beautician, he was just satisfied with the cut, we ended our visit with a good by hug. I've thought about him & his brothers many times, may you RIP Robert. With a caring heart, Lynda Chance Massingill.