Dr. Robert Preston Meriwether, M.D., FACS

Dr. Robert Preston Meriwether, M.D., FACS, passed away peacefully on August 4, 2025, at the Charter Senior Living of Paducah. He was born on February 20, 1947, in Paducah, Kentucky, and his life was a testament to unwavering dedication and service.

After graduating from Paducah Tilghman High School, Dr. Meriwether's academic prowess led him to the University of Kentucky, where he earned a Bachelor's degree, laying the foundation for his illustrious medical career. Bound by a calling to heal and inspire, he went on to attend medical school at Tulane University, where he honed his remarkable skills in neurosurgery.

Dr. Meriwether's professional journey saw him as a compassionate neurosurgeon at both Western Baptist Hospital and Lourdes Hospital. Beyond his surgical contributions, Dr. Meriwether also proudly served on the Board of Trustees at the University of Kentucky, the board for the University of Kentucky Hospital, the board of Peoples Bank, as a member of the Paducah Rotary Club, and as an honorary McCracken County Deputy Sherriff. He attended First Baptist Church Paducah with his wife, Gloria.

His devotion extended into his personal life, where his love for animals, especially his beloved dogs, was unmistakable. Dr. Meriwether will be remembered for his generosity and service to others. He was a tireless worker and his dedication to the care he gave his patients was undeniable.

Dr. Meriwether is survived by his wife of 55 years, Gloria Myrick Meriwether; three daughters, Shannon Livingston of Paducah, Whitney Dowdy (Jason) of Memphis, Tennessee, and Lindsay Yeoman (Kevin) of Bluffton, South Carolina; and five grandchildren, Myrick Livingston, Wilks Livingston, Lillian Livingston, Quay Dowdy and Quin Dowdy, and his faithful companion, Newton.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Pauline Meriwether.

A celebration of Dr. Meriwether’s life will be held at 1:00 pm on Thursday, August 7, 2025 at Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Paducah with Dr. Brian Arnold officiating. Private entombment will follow at Maplelawn Park Cemetery for the family.

Visitation will be held from 11:00 am until the 1:00 pm service time on Thursday, August 7, 2025 at Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Paducah.

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donation to: University of Kentucky College of Medicine, William R. Willard Medical Education Building, MN 150, Lexington KY, 40536-0298 or Baptist Health Paducah Foundation, 2501 Kentucky Ave, Paducah, KY 42003.

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