Merlin James Phillips, 84, of rural Humboldt, Nebraska was born on November 17, 1937 in rural Humboldt, Nebraska to James and Marie (Gartner) Phillips. Merlin was raised with his younger brother Paul on the family farm north of Humboldt and attended Northwest Star country school. He then attended Bratton Union High School where he participated in football and basketball. Merlin graduated as Salutatorian of the class of 1955. After graduation, he took classes at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln and served in the National Guard for 11 years.
Merlin was a life-long farmer and farmed in partnership with his brother until Paul’s retirement in 2006. He was a member of the Pleasant View Methodist Church where he served as Financial Secretary before changing his membership to the United Methodist Church in Humboldt. While a member in Humboldt, Merlin served the congregation as Head Usher. Merlin was also treasurer of the Bratton Union Alumni and treasurer of the Pleasant View Cemetery. He enjoyed watching high school sports, Husker Volleyball and visiting with his family, neighbors and friends.
Merlin went to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, November 22, 2021, at the Falls City Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Falls City, Nebraska having reached the earthly age of eighty-four years and five days. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Paul and niece by marriage Patti Phillips.
Merlin is survived by his nephew Brad Phillips and wife Ann of rural Humboldt, NE; niece Shari Drake and husband Les of Humboldt, NE; sister-in-law Janice Phillips of Humboldt, NE; great-nephews: Will, Carter and Trey Drake of Humboldt, NE; and many friends and neighbors.
Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 30, 2021, at the United Methodist Church in Humboldt, Nebraska with Pastor Dorothy Smith officiating.
Visitation will be held from 9 a.m.-8 p.m. on Monday, November 29, 2021, at the Wherry Mortuary, 207 N. Nemaha Street in Humboldt, Nebraska. Family will greet friends from 6-7 p.m. at the mortuary.
Interment will immediately follow services at the Pleasant View Cemetery in rural Humboldt, Nebraska.
Memorial contributions may be given to the family’s choice with a later designation.
Messages of condolence can be left online at www.wherrymortuary.com
Services are entrusted to Wherry Mortuary-Humboldt, Nebraska (402) 862-2915
