Robert Merlin Cady

GRAND ISLAND -- Robert Merlin Cady, 83, formerly of McCook, died Wednesday (Jan. 23, 2008) at the Grand Island Veterans Home.

He was born Sept. 5, 1924, at Cambridge, to Frank and Ida (Rhinehammer) Cady. He received his education in rural Furnas County, south of Cambridge. Following his education, he engaged in farming with his father on the family farm south of Cambridge.

On April 8, 1946, he was inducted into the U.S. Army serving his country until his honorable discharge on May 4, 1947. Following his military service, he made his home in Wichita, Kan., to be near his mother. He was employed by Montgomery Ward as a delivery truck driver until his relocation to Denver, Colo.

After several years in Colorado, he returned home to Nebraska and worked as a farmhand for area farmers following the harvest crew. In December of 2003, he made his home at the Grand Island Veterans Home due to his failing health.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers and five sisters.

Survivors include his two sisters, Delma Cady of Guthrie, Okla., and Betty Decker of Holdrege; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be Saturday, 1 p.m., at Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege, with the Rev. Buck Linton-Hendrick officiating. Interment will be in the Oxford Cemetery with military honors provided by the George R. Mitchell V.F.W. Post No. 1365 and Martin Horn American Legion Post No. 219.

Visitation is today until 9 p.m., at the funeral home. Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com.

A memorial has been established in his memory.

The Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege is in charge of the arrangements.