John Jerald Merrill, 77

March 22, 1939 ~ February 15, 2017

John was born March 22, 1939 at Nelson, Nebraska to William and Emma (Burkett) Merrill.

He married Barbara Shivvers, and they were blessed with three daughters.

John was a hard worker who in his spare time enjoyed hunting, fishing and watching old westerns and war movies. He loved his pets and spending time with his grandkids.

John J. Merrill, 77, of Filley, passed away Wednesday, February 15, 2017 at his home.

Left with memories are his daughters: Brenda Donner (Greg Hollman) of Crete; Rhonda Scusa (Mike) of Filley; Melinda Christen (Jerome) of Filley; grandchildren, Elizabeth Olson-Jones (Mark), Brandon Kage (Mallory), Tyler Kage, Bailey Donner, Kayla Hernandez, Kyle Hernandez, Hayleigh Bogues (Chad), Hannah, Holden and Hayden Christen; step-grandchildren, Brandon, Michaella and Dakota Scusa; great-grandchildren, Ashton, Zachary, Olivia, Noah, Brealyn, Murphy and Chloe; brother-in-law, Loren Campbell of Hastings, NE; sisters-in-law; Betty Merrill of Minden, NE, Phyllis Merrill of Hastings, NE; special friend, Gerry Saunders of Lincoln, NE; several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara (Shivvers) Merrill; parents; granddaughter, Hope Ann Christen (2001); son-in-law, Buff Bowman (2011); brothers, Jim, Chet, Harlan, Marvin, Jack, Steve, Dale and Dick Merrill; sisters, Naomi Zimmerman, Margaret Campbell and Virginia Gunderson; parents-in-law, John and Patricia Shivvers.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Monday, February 20, 2017 at Harman-Wright Mortuary in Beatrice with Pastor David Bigley officiating. Burial will be in the Lincoln Memorial Park Cemetery, Lincoln, NE following the luncheon at the Beatrice Vets Club. Military rites will be provided by National Guard Honor Guard and Bitting-Norman American Legion post #27. Closed casket visitation will be held Sunday Noon- 8:00 P.M. with family greeting friends from 4:00-5:30 P.M. at Harman-Wright Mortuary in Beatrice.

Harman-Wright Mortuary in Beatrice in service to the family.

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from obituary courtesy of Harman-Wright Mortuary, Beatrice, Nebraska
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