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Merle R. Powell, age 76 of Ogallala, passed away Friday morning, February 29, 2008 at the Ogallala Community Hospital.

Merle was born April 11, 1931 in Kenesaw, Nebraska the son of Warren and Audrey (Roberts) Powell. He grew up in Kenesaw graduating from the Kenesaw High School in 1949. He enlisted in the United States Navy in 1950 and served aboard the USS Monaque in the Philippine Islands where he was engaged in airbase construction. He later served on the Island of Guam and was honorably discharged in 1954 in San Francisco, California.

On October 6, 1956 he married Charlotte Doremus in Gibbon, Nebraska. To this union two sons and one daughter were born, Robert, Richard and Collette.

Merle worked on a farm in Kenesaw until he joined the Missouri Valley Construction Company during the construction of Interstate 80 across Nebraska. Merle later was employed for the Beal Land Leveling Company of Brule. Merle was employed by the Keith County Roads Department from 1984 until his retirement in 1994.

 He was a member of the V.F.W.

Survivors include: His wife, Charlotte of Ogallala.

Two sons, Bob (Lynn) Powell of Sacramento, CA Dick (Ellen) Powell of Ogallala

Four brothers, Lee Powell of Grand Island Dale (Sid) Powell of Hastings Jack (Jean) Powell of Kenesaw Mike (Beverly) Powell of Juniata Sister and brother in law, Shirley and Alvin Volquardsen of Cairo.

14 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews He was preceded in death by his parents; infant daughter, Collette Kay; and an infant brother, Lavern.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 4th at the Gubser Funeral Chapel with Pastor Eric Wait of the New Hope Church officiating. Burial will be in the Ogallala Cemetery with military honors rendered by the Keith County Veteran’s Organizations.

Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. on Monday at the funeral home with family greeting friends from 5:00 until 6:00.

A memorial has been established in his memory. Online condolences may be sent at gubserfuneralhome.com. Gubser Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements