Merlin Frank Hilty

Merlin Frank Hilty, 90, of Lexington, Nebraska, passed away Thursday, January 28, 2016, at Kearney Regional Medical Center in Kearney, Nebraska. He was born September 10, 1925, near Gibbon, Nebraska, the sixth of ten children born to John C. and Mattie May (Rayback) Hilty. Merlin started school in Newark in Buffalo County. He then moved to Elm Creek, and finished his schooling at Amherst. Merlin served his Country during WWII in the United States Army from July 2, 1945, until his honorable discharge on September 14, 1946. He was united in marriage to Opal Rosentreader on August 20, 1950, at the United Methodist Church in Ansley, Nebraska. Four children were blessed to this marriage; Susan, Tim, Joan, and Dan. The family moved to Lexington in 1957, where Merlin was the shop manager for Lexington Motor Company for fourteen years. He then went to work for Nixon Feeds, which would later become Co-op, working there until he retired in 1988. After his retirement he worked part-time at Mead Lumber and worked for area farmers. Merlin was a member of First United Methodist Church, where he served on the Board of Trustees for several years. He was also a member of the American Legion. He enjoyed growing a large garden, having coffee with his buddies, and he took great pride in keeping a beautiful yard. Merlin is survived by his wife of 65 years; Opal Hilty of Lexington, Nebraska; son, Timothy Hilty of Campbell, California; two daughters, Susan Hilty of Hanover Park, Illinois, and Joan Gestring of Holdrege, Nebraska; two granddaughters, Erica (Chad) Sandell of Omaha, Nebraska, and Olivia Gestring of Kearney, Nebraska; one brother, Phillip (Pat) Hilty of Kearney, Nebraska; three sisters; Donna (Jim) Webster of Loveland, Colorado, Patty (David) Peach of Bedford, Texas, and Phyllis Bennett of Kearney, Nebraska; many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Dan; three brothers, John, Everett, and Lloyd Hilty; and two sisters, Pauline Cepel and Rachel Darling. Funeral Services will be held Monday, February 1, 2016, at 3:00 p.m. at Reynolds-Love Funeral Chapel in Lexington with Reverend Dyton Owen officiating. The casket will be closed. Burial with Military Honors will be in the Greenwood Cemetery at Lexington. There will be no visitation. Memorials are suggested to the family for later designation. Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences with the family by visiting: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com.