Funeral Services for Merlin Anderson, age 90, of O'Neill will be at 10:30 am Wednesday, October 21, 2020 at the Assembly of God Church in O'Neill with Rev. Mike Durre officiating. His funeral will be live streamed on the O'Neill Assembly of God Facebook page. Burial will follow in the O'Neill Cemetery with Military Rites by the O' Neill American Legion Simonson Post 93. Visitation will be from 5-7 pm on Tuesday, October, 20, 2020 at Biglin's Mortuary in O'Neill with a 7 pm Prayer Service. Due to the ongoing pandemic, Merlin's family asks that everyone wear a face mask at both services. Merlin passed away on Sunday, October 18, 2020 at Arbor Care Center in O'Neill. Memorials may be directed to the family for future designation. Biglin's Mortuary in O'Neill is in charge of arrangements.

Merlin Duane Anderson was born on August 6, 1930 in Martin, South Dakota to Merill and Helen (King) Anderson. His family later moved to northern Holt County where he went to grade school in Redbird through the 8th Grade. Merlin then worked on the family ranch. In March of 1951, he enlisted in the United States Navy. On August 4, 1952, Merlin married Florence Walters north of O'Neill, NE on her family farm. The couple lived in California for a time, until he was honorably discharged on March 8, 1955. The couple had two daughters: Deb and Nancy. Merlin, Florence, and the girls moved to their current ranch in 1968. The couple later moved to O'Neill in 2016.

Merlin was a Deacon at the O'Neill Assembly of God Church, and a member of the American Legion Simonson Post #93 Honor Guard. Merlin enjoyed pheasant hunting, deer hunting, and fishing. He also loved talking to people, reading the Bible, and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

Merlin is survived by his two daughters, Deb (Jim) Frederick and Nancy (Greg) Buis all of O'Neill; five grandchildren, Justin (Jen) Hilkemeier, Lindsay (Matthew) Metschke, Jeremy (Kami) Hilkemeier, Ryan (Samantha) Frederick and Brent (Jemi) Frederick; 13 great grandchildren; three siblings, Percy Anderson of Columbus, Pauline Wells of Madison, Wisconsin, Keith (Rita) Anderson of Beatrice; in-laws, LaVone Johring of O'Neill, Arlene (Gene) Libby of North Platte, NE, Allen Walters Sr. of Phoenix, AZ and Jeanie (Stan) Davis of Surprise, AZ; several nieces and nephews.

Merlin was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 64 years, Florence in 2016; sister-in-law, Ilene Anderson; and brother-in-law, Robert Wells.