Merle J. Nelson was born June 3, 1938 on the farm at Cozad, NE and went home to the Lord on November 17, 2025, St. Joseph, MO.
He loved God, family and his country. He belonged to the First Baptist Church of Union Star and was a life member of the Masonic Lodge of Grand Junction, CO No.173 A. F. & A.M., also Eastern Star Sunlight Chapter No. 247 in Missouri. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force from 1956 to 1960, then attended college in Hastings, NE for an H.V.A.C. degree. He spent most of his career self-employed in the HVAC business. Catfishing and deer hunting, in addition to telling jokes and great stories, were his favorite pastimes.
He is survived by his wife Sherri, sons Marlon (Dee) of Fremont, NE, Brad (Diane) of Arlington, TX, Brian (Pam) of Columbus, NE, daughter Kim Dreiling (Frank) of Denver, CO, stepson Chuck Leichleiter (Cheryl) of Lincoln, NE, stepdaughters Rhonda Roumph (Jeff) of St. Joseph, MO, Ann Eckley of Plattsmouth, NE, and many grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Preceding him in death were his parents Elizabeth and Vernon Nelson. He will be greatly missed by family and friends.
Farewell Services 2:00 P.M. Sunday, Union Star First Baptist Church. The family will gather with friends one hour prior to the service. The family suggests memorial contributions to the Union Star First Baptist Church Children's Fund.
