Wayne Meritt

Wayne Lester Meritt, son of Jesse and Golda (Marvin) Meritt, was born October 12, 1931 in Peru, Nebraska. As the oldest son in a family of nine, he fulfilled the duties that came with his place in the family well. Wayne attended Honey Creek School south of Peru until moving to Council Bluffs as a young man. He received the remainder of his education in the Navy.

While the Korean Conflict was ongoing, Wayne joined the U. S. Navy in 1952. He was discharged on December 20, 1955.

In 1954 Wayne married Dorothy Clark. Six children: Debra, Leslie, Ronda, Lisa, Theresa, and Regina were born to this marriage. The couple was later divorced.

On December 22, 1970 Wayne was united in marriage to Evelyn Andrew. The couple moved to Brownville, Nebraska in 1974 to make their home.

Wayne furthered his knowledge of the world through continuous reading. He enjoyed spending time using his metal detector, or ?prospecting? as he called it. Wayne also liked to play cards, watch Westerns, and sing the many songs he knew. Family was always important to him, and he loved to share the things he enjoyed with them.

Failing health caused Wayne to be admitted to Clarkson Hospital in Omaha on July 10, 2010. He passed away there on Tuesday, July 20, 2010 at the age of 78 years, 9 months, and 8 days. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Rosella McBratney, brothers Harold Jesse in infancy, Alvin Gene, and Dale A., and daughter Lisa Meritt Goeman.

Wayne is survived by his wife Evelyn of Brownville; son Leslie Meritt of Panama City, FL; daughters Theresa Meritt of Gallatin, MO; Ronda Meritt of Liberty, NE; Regina Meritt of Fortuna, CA; Debra Taylor of Lewisburg, MO; stepsons Ralph (Anna) Andrew of Nebraska City; Tim (Nancy) Andrew of Gallatin, MO; stepdaughters Vicki Timmerman of Brownville; Sheila (Jr.) Harbin of Watson, MO; Pam (Sam) Harbin of Brownville; 16 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; brothers Ken Meritt of Lewisburg, MO; Gerald Meritt of Winslow, AZ; sisters Sharon Richards of Gallup, NM; Ruth Scrimshaw of Gallup, NM; Geraldine Kerr of Topeka, KS; other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were Friday, July 23, 2010 at Hemmingsen Funeral Home in Auburn, officiated by Mark Morrow. Special pre-recorded music was played. Pallbearers were Gerald Meritt, Dustin Meritt, Jason Andrew, Clint Harbin, Brandon Meritt, and Michael Hockman. Honorary pallbearers were Al ?Sonny? Bohlken, Derrick Traub, Nick Harbin, Kyle Andrew, Shane Harbin, and Ken Meritt. Burial followed in Holy Cross Cemetery near Auburn.