Burdette C. Melchert

Jan. 3, 1929 - Dec. 21, 2008

TRENTON -- Burdette Cecil Melchert died Sunday, Dec. 21, 2008, at Sutherland Care Center in Sutherland, Neb., at the age of 79.

He was born Jan. 3, 1929, at Stratton, Neb., the son of the late Oscar and Esther (Bauerle) Melchert. He grew up at Stratton where he graduated from Stratton High School. He entered the U.S. Navy serving from 1951 to 1954.

Following his discharge from the Navy he returned to Nebraska and married Patricia Ruth Shackelford on Dec. 22, 1956, at Denver, Colo. They made their home on a farm they purchased at Palisade, Neb., and also farmed at Hayes Center and Wauneta where he farmed on a wild game preserve.

He served as an insurance agent for Farm Bureau Insurance where he earned several performance awards. In the 1960s they resided at Curtis, Chappell and Scottsbluff moving to McCook in 1967, where he also farmed and operated a mobile home and automobile sales business and was active in several business ventures.

He retired in 1995, and moved to Tryon, Neb. From 2004 until his death he resided at the Sutherland Care Center.

He had an abiding faith in Jesus Christ. He enjoyed helping other people. He loved the outdoors, hunting, fishing and enjoyed the Colorado mountains.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia on Oct. 9, 1992, brothers, Ernest Melchert and Willard McFadden and sister, Eunice Bauer.

Burdette is survived by four sons, Lynn Melchert, Matthew Melchert, Norman Melchert and Keith Melchert and wife, Laurie, all of North Platte, Neb.; four grandchildren, Hayley, Andrew, Jacob and Adam; and mother-in-law, Ruth Shackelford.

Funeral services will be 2 p.m., Friday, Dec. 26, 2008, at Herrmann Memorial Chapel in McCook with the Rev. Dr. Jeffery Thurman officiating, Interment will be in the Trenton Cemetery.

Memorials may be given in his name and friends may call at Herrmann Funeral from 9 a.m. - 9 p.m., today and until 6 p.m., Wednesday.

Herrmann Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.