Mervin Murray

Mervin Murray
1937 — 2014
Memorial Services for Mervin Murray, age 76, of Tilden, Nebraska, were held Saturday morning, February 1, 2014, at Faith United Methodist Church in Tilden.
Visitation was Friday, Jan. 31, at Brockhaus-Harlan Funeral Home in Tilden.
*****
Mervin Lynn Murray, a/k/a “Pops”, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, January 26, 2014.
He was a much-loved husband, father, grandfather, son and brother who brought much joy to each of our lives.  Time spent with “Pops” are memories made that will be tucked away in our hearts forever.
Mervin Lynn Murray was born February 22, 1937, to Glen and Sadie (Schober) Murray of Neligh.
Mervin was raised on a farm east of Neligh and attended rural school District 15 through the 8th grade and graduated from Neligh High School in 1954.  He started working for the Union Oil Company in 1953 for Dale Wilson and worked there for 16 years.  Mervin managed the station in Elgin for several years.
In 1956, Mervin married the love of his life, Phyllis Taylor, of Oakdale, Nebraska. To this union, four children were born:  David, Pam, Cindy Bode, and Heath. Merv and Phyllis lived in Neligh, Elgin, on a farm south of Oakdale, and retired in Tilden.  Merv retired after driving for Rutjens Construction for 20 years.
Many stock car racers and fans will remember Merv’s blue “05” back when he raced in Neligh, Clearwater, Creighton, Albion, and Norfolk.
Merv was involved in the Neligh Jaycees, 4-H, and was a member of the United Methodist Church.
He enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s events, spending time with family and friends, NASCAR racing, and driving the “Big Yellow Rig”.
One of his most enjoyable moments was going to the NASCAR races in Vegas and going to the pits.
Merv is survived by his wife of 57 years, Phyllis Murray of Tilden, Nebraska; children, David (wife Julie) Murray of Tilden, Pam (husband Dave) Jochum of Elgin, Nebraska, Cindy (husband Mike) Bode of Raeville, Nebraska, and Heath (wife Nadine) Murray of Pierce, Nebraska; nine grandchildren, Tony Murray of Arizona, Jarid Jochum and fiancé Jody Pieper of Lincoln, Nebraska, Amanda (Jochum) Kuhlman and husband Jeremy of Edmond, Oklahoma, Channon (Bode) Trollbridge and husband Bryan of Lincoln, Cheyenne Bode and wife Michelle of Royce City, Texas, Casey Bode and wife Melissa of Bellevue, Nebraska, Chad Bode of Lincoln, Nathan Murray of Pierce, Nebraska, and Taylor Murray of Columbus;  three step grandchildren, Cody, Kenley, and Sydney Silhacek of Pierce; two great grandchildren, Caiden Bode of Royce City, and Hadley Bode of Bellevue; three sisters, Delores Mooney of Kennewick, Washington, Virginia Baker of  Ferndale, Washington, and Glendora Dimmitt of Grand Island, Nebraska; a sister-in-law, Jeanette Tomjack and husband Jerry of Ewing; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers, Ivan, Don, and Darold.