Arthur C. 'Dick' Merrell

Tuesday, March 29, 2005

Aug. 31, 1909-March 27, 2005

Arthur C. "Dick" Merrell died Easter Sunday, March 27, 2005, at Hillcrest Nursing Home in McCook. He was 95 years old.

Dick was born in Rawlins, Wyo., on Aug. 31, 1909, to Edward C. and Lulu Louise (Hesse) Merrell. He graduated from Hayes Center High School. He was employed for 42 years with the Burlington Railroad. He was a conductor on Amtrak, retiring in 1974.

He married Helen Ploussard in 1936 and they lived 59 years at 111 West O Street before moving to Willow Ridge Retirement Community.

Dick was an active member of St. Alban's Episcopal Church, McCook Elks Lodge and the McCook Masonic Lodge No. 135 A.F. and A.M. For many of his retirement years he was coordinator of the McCook Pantry.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Helen; a daughter, Sandra Jean Randel; and sons-in-law, Gary Randel and Richard Roedel.

He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Vicki Roedel Evans and David Evans II of Lincoln; eight grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren, Murray and Mindy Randel and McKenzie, Mitchell and McKayla of Beatrice; Jerry and Angie Roedel and Vincent of Wyoming, Minn.; Kay and John Robben and Anna and Isabella of Sycamore, Ill.; Neal and Amy Randel and Mark, Bethany and Lindy of Lexington; Shawna and Jeff Herechski and Cole, Ryan and Kelsey of Firth; Robert and Kimberly Roedel and Donovan and Delaney of Anthem; Stacey Roedel of Lincoln; Tom and Kristie Randel and Sydney and Gabriel of West Bend, Wis.; and special friend of the family, Ardis Randel Vukas of McCook.

Memorials may be given in his name to St. Alban's Episcopal Church or McCook Pantry.

Friends may sign his book during business hours at the funeral home or go online at www.carpenterbreland.com to extend condolences.

A memorial service will be Friday, April 1, 2005, 11 a.m., at St. Alban's Episcopal Church with the Rev. R. Sam Williams officiating. Inurnment will be in Riverside Cemetery at 2 p.m.

Carpenter Breland Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.