Merle Jones, 78, of Lincoln, passed away on February 12, 2018. Born May 21, 1939 to Preston and Altha (Hull) Jones in O’Neill, NE. Owner of Jones Appliances for many years as well as a Para for Lincoln Public Schools. Veteran of the United States Army, member of Southwood Lutheran Church, member of the Eagles Club in O’Neill (3644), past president of the Eagles Club Grand Island (4539). He also loved to golf, dance, and was an avid Husker Fan!
Merle is survived by his loving wife Karen; children, Marcy (Tim) Grutsch, Stacia (Rich) Kennedy, Jason (Jenny) Jones; step-children, Reynold (Tammy) Merchant, Frank (Debbie) Merchant, Jennifer (John) Katz, Jessica (Doug Swanson) Nelson, Jeff (Margie) Merchant; grandchildren, Michaela (Nate) Pfeiffer, Gabby and Morganne Grutsch, Samuel and Alex Kennedy, Cali (Connor) Savage, William and Mia Jones, Amanda (Donnie) Wells, Catherine Burgess, Tyler Merchant, Amanda (Dylan) Cobine, Ashley (Tyler) McIntosh, Brock (Chrissy) Merchant, Raegan Merchant, Eric Merchant, Sam Katz, Alex Nelson, Addi Ann Nelson, Samantha (Jared) Krueger, Conner and Presley Merchant; great-grandchildren, Wyatt and Layla Wells, Mackenzie, Haydon, and Ebyn Cobine, Troy McIntosh, Ryleigh Merchant, and Mavrick Neher; sisters, Edwina Walter, Jenine Fridley; sister-in-law, Lorene Jones, sister in law, Marlene Handquist. Preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Maurice Jones, Milo (Anna) Jones, and infant brother; sisters, Ava (R.V.) Crumly, Lucille (Cecil) Griffith, Mabel (Walter) Duvall; infant step-son, Raygan Merchant; and brother in law, Miland Handquist.
Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday (2-17-18) at Southwood Lutheran Church, 4301 Wilderness Hills Blvd, Lincoln. Public visitation with family greeting friends will be held on Friday (2-16-18) from 6-8 p.m. at Roper & Sons South Lincoln Chapel, 3950 Hohensee Dr., Lincoln. Entombment at Lincoln Memorial Park.
Memorial Contributions can be made to the family for future designation.