Merlin Ray Messinger

Merlin Ray Messinger

March 11, 1932 - Feb. 17, 2021

McCOOK, Neb. — Merlin Ray Messinger, age 88, of McCook, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2021, at Hillcrest Nursing Home in McCook.

Merlin was born March 11, 1932, on a farm south of McCook, the fourth child of Herman Gustave Messinger and Serena Isobel (Zimmerman) Messinger. Merlin rode his horse daily to the country school not far from his house. When the school closed, he lived with his Grandma Zimmerman and continued his education at McCook City Schools. Merlin graduated McCook Senior High School in May 1950.

Merlin married his high school sweetheart, Eunice Leona Clark, on Sept. 30, 1950. Not long after, the couple moved to the family farm south of McCook. To this union, two sons were born: Alan Ray Messinger, born in 1951 and Randy Scott Messinger, born in 1952. Merlin’s heart was always in farming — period. They spent 25 years farming and ranching on the farm before moving into McCook, allowing their two sons to take over the farming operations.

After moving into town, Merlin expanded the operation by investing in a new feed yard in 1983, Southwest Feeders, LLC, located in Hayes Center, Neb. During the next 30 years, this original investment has grown into three separate commercial feed yards, located in Hayes Center, Danbury, and Brule. Throughout all of this, Merlin never missed a sale at Tri-State Livestock. He especially enjoyed the camaraderie and lively discussions with all of the local cattlemen.

Preceding him in death was his bride of 68 years, Eunice Messinger; his parents, Herman and Serena Messinger; parents in-law, George and Marie Clark; sisters and brothers-in-law, Betty and Don Crocker and Ruth and Wayne Joy; and brother-in-law, David Davis.

Survivors include his two sons, Alan (Pamela S.) Messinger of Hayes Center and Randy (Pamela C.) Messinger of McCook; brother and sister-in-law, Willard and Eva Messinger of McCook; sister in-law, Georgia Davis; grandchildren, Jennifer Messinger, Jolene Messinger, Andrew (Athena) Messinger, Carrie Messinger, Hollie Messinger and husband, Casey Fink, Sharlie Messinger and husband, Josh Latimer, and Chris Messinger and her fiancé, Finn Van Vleet; six great-grandchildren; numerous family, and a host of friends.

Visitation will be Friday, Feb. 26, 2021, from 10 a.m. - 7 p.m., at Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel in McCook, the family will be present to greet friends from 5 to 7 p.m.

Funeral services will 10:30 a.m., on Saturday morning, Feb. 27, 2021, at Memorial United Methodist Church in McCook with Pastor Jeff Kelley officiating.  Masks are strongly recommended, and social distancing seating will be available in the church loft. Casual attire is requested by the family.

Interment will follow services in the Memorial Park Cemetery, McCook.

Memorials are suggested in Merlin’s name to the Hillcrest Nursing Home or to Home Health and Hospice of McCook.  

Online condolences may be left at herrmannfh.com.  Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel is entrusted with arrangements.