A graveside Celebration of Life for 83-year old former Sheridan County resident Richard “Dick” Merrill of Tarpon Springs, FL, will be held Saturday, April 6, 2024 at 11:00 at the Hyannis Cemetery in Hyannis, NE.
Online condolences may be left at chamberlainchapel.com
Richard Curtis Merrill was born on August 12, 1940 to Norman B. Merrill and Alta Dille Merrill in Colorado Springs, CO, and passed away on March 27, 2024.
Dick was a diligent worker and loyal friend who dedicated his life to his family and to exemplifying Christ.
Dick was the second born of 4 children and in the Spring of 1945, his family moved from California to the Sandhills of Nebraska, where they raised cattle. Dick attended country schools through the 8th grade and then attended Gordon High School.
After high school, Dick went to work full-time as a ranch hand, then In 1960 joined the U-S Marine Corps. He was stationed at Camp Pendleton, CA, and became pen pals with Vici Torske, a friend of his sister Sally.
The couple inevitably fell in love and, without even meeting each other’s parents, eloped to Las Vegas. Dick married the love of his life on May 18, 1963.
Dick was a member of the Carpenters Union throughout his working career, but was also a maintenance worker, drove trucks, and owned his own construction company.
Dick had a reputation for the high quality of his work. He built beautiful homes, exquisite cabinetry, and crafted fine woodworking items.
Although the couple moved frequently, and lived in Nebraska, Colorado, California, and Oregon, the Sandhills was always home to them.
When Dick and Vici moved their family to the Dille place in Feb 1974, they found the home of their hearts. Even after moving away, they returned to the ranch as often as they could.
Dick lived his life for his Savior and his family. When Vici became ill, Dick set an example of marital devotion and love in the way he faithfully and steadfastly cared for her.
In 2019, Dick made one final move across the country to Tarpon Springs, where he spent his remaining years.
Dick’s life was an exceptional example of a life lived in Christ, and his walk inspired his family to follow in his footsteps. He was very active in his church, including Bible studies, daily devotions, and raising his children in a Godly household.
Dick possessed unfaltering humility and patience, and he shared the love of Christ with everyone around him.
He never met a stranger and was known to strike up conversations with anyone at a moment’s notice. He was beloved by his family and friends.
Dick Merrill will be remembered for his friendly nature, hardworking spirit, devotion to his family, and his love for Jesus.
His legacy of faith and dedication will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. He is gone, but not forgotten
Dick is survived by his loving children: Lesa Merrill (John Horrocks), Becky Hollibaugh (Karl), Norman Merrill (LaDonna), and Janice Dart (Kevin).
He is also survived by his brother Kenneth Merrill; sisters Sally Rollins and MaryAnn Walters, 17 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren.
Dick was preceded in death by his loving wife Vici Torske Merrill; his parents Norman B Merrill and Alta Dille Merrill; and by two of his grandchildren: Kyle Parker and Hannah Hollibaugh.
Chamberlain Mortuary of Hay Springs, NE, is assisting the family with the arrangements