Merle Lee Derry was born on April 5, 1949, to Merle and Sylvia (Horton) Derry in Wiota, Iowa. He always said he was born on the kitchen table! He joined two sisters, Merlene and Dianne. The family moved to Villisca, Iowa and Merle graduated from VHS in 1967.
Merle relocated to Omaha and finally Lincoln where he resided until his death. He worked at Norden Laboratories, which eventually became Pfizer Animal Health. He was the Central Services Supervisor when he retired after 35 years in 2004. He enjoyed and was proud of his long career that began at Norden Labs.
Merle and Pat met in December, 1973, and were married on April 17, 1976. Theirs was a loving marriage for almost 48 years and were blessed with an incredible family. They shared three daughters – Belinda, Kim and Jess. They built a life filled with friends, fun and many happy memories. Merle loved his role of grandpa and was excited when he became a great-grandpa in November, 2023, with Kohen’s birth.
Merle was involved with Sesostris Shrine and the Sowers Club of Lincoln. He was active with work softball, bowling and golf leagues, played 40+ years on a pool league, and loved most any card game. He loved the game of golf and after retired played at least 4 times a week. He enjoyed joining friends at Johnson Lake and going on many golf trips.
Merle was a kind, caring and generous person. He never met a person that didn’t become a friend. His sense of humor brought a smile to anyone who knew him. He always showed love and respect for everyone. He fought the good fight against cancer and will always be in our hearts.
He is survived by his loving wife, Pat, and children Belinda (Mark) Burrier, Conway, AR; Kimberly (Zach) Krzycki, Lincoln, NE; and Jessica (Jeff) Orlouski, Greenwood Lake NY. Grandchildren: Kaitlyn Blount, Conway, AR, Madison Blount, Conway, AR, Ashlyn Eveland, Arvada, CO, Christian Eveland, Lincoln, NE, and Alexandra Orlouski, Greenwood Lake NY; great-grandson Kohen Blount, Conway, AR.
Merle was preceeded in death by his parents, Merle and Ruthella Derry, Sylvia and Mark Wallner, grandson Parker Blount, brother-in-laws Harold Jones, Dennis Gillispie, and Roger Vedder.
Memorial service: 10:30 a.m., Monday, March 11, 2024, Christ United Methodist Church, 4530 A. Street, Lincoln.
Visitation will be Sunday, March 10, 2024, from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. at Roper and Sons Midtown Chapel, 4300 ‘O’ Street.
Services
Visitation
2:00 pm-4:00 pm CST
Roper & Sons Midtown Chapel
4300 O St.
Lincoln, NE 68510
Memorial Service
10:30 am CST
Christ United Methodist Church
4530 A. Street, Lincoln, Nebraska
Share a Memory or Condolence
He was like a brother. I will always miss his joking, his laughter, his hugs and his kind heart. Never a dull moment with him and Pat. Loved a good game of pitch.
– Mary Ann Michels
I really appreciated Merle amd Pat and their family. Mere and Pat were great neighbors to have for the many years my family lived across the street from them on 34th and “D” street. Merle was definitely a friendly and generous neighbor (Pat too) and I miss their neighborly friendship! God be with Pat and family during this time! “The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18
– Lance McCord
I’m gonna miss you, Grandpa.
– Madison boyd
He was a kind, caring man with a big heart. There are no words to express our loss. The golf group he and Bill were in are like brothers. They shared a deep bond and will have many many great memories. I will miss your laughter and your great smile! Play through Merle…
– Carol Z
I was fortunate enough to be Merle’s golf partner with the Shrine League for several years. His smile and laughter always made the morning brighter. We always played each morning (as a side match) against each other for a hot dog with the loser paying. Merle never had to pay, and he reminded me of that each golf morning. I will miss Merle very much.
– Dick Rimel
Merle was a classy guy. Loved playing golf with him at Mahoney. He taught me a lot. I will miss him
– Bill Nelson
Naphis Temple No. 66 Daughters of the Nile extends their deepest sympathy and prayers of comfort at this difficult time for your family. So many of us will always have such treasured memories of Merle; we are all richer for having known him.
– Jeanne Krenk, Pr. Recorder/Naphis Temple No. 66
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