Merlyn Fredrick Davids was born Feb. 6, 1939, in Osmond, to Fredrick and Edith (Petersen) Davids, the oldest of four boys. He passed away Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2020, at Bryan East Medical Center in Lincoln at the age of 81.
He attended Plainview Public School and graduated from Plainview High School with the class of 1956. Merlyn enlisted into the U.S. Air Force on Nov. 4, 1958, and was discharged in 1960 as a B-47 Aircraft Crew Chief. He was united in marriage to Helen Hall in 1961 and to this union, three children were born, Rebekah, Dorothy and Donald. Merl worked several jobs before a lengthy career in the wholesale beer business as a delivery driver, eventually moving into sales. He was blessed with a second marriage to Sheri (Parks) Cejka on May 31, 1986. and was proud to gain another son, Mike, into the family. In January, 1993, Merl became the proud co-owner of Sheri’s Grill and Bar. He enjoyed “harassing” the help and gabbing with customers and friends. So many good times and laughs. After selling the bar on July 15, 2007, Merl went back to truck driving. Tommy Havlet kept him busy with contract work and harvest. He enjoyed camping and fishing. Many trips were taken to Table Rock Reservoir in Missouri, Harlan County Reservoir and Milford Lake in Kansas. Together, Merlyn and Sheri enjoyed many road trips riding around this beautiful country, most always through the red rocks. One of his biggest pleasures was to sit in the cockpit of the huge vintage aircraft, “Blue Spruce” and wear Howard Hugh’s hat. He had so much fun sitting at a locals’ bar in Key West. Merl also enjoyed hunting, playing pool, golfing and mostly being a part of “The Table” at Sheri’s.
He was preceded in death by his parents and several aunts and uncles.
Survivors include his wife, Sheri, Pleasant Dale; daughters, son-in-law, Rebekah Greenwalt, Dorothy and Randy Phipps; sons, daughter-in-law, Donald and Julie Davids and Mike Cejka. His grandchildren include Allyn Shivley, Sara Phipps, Abby (Eric) Holmes, Nick (Elizabeth) Davids, Heather (Daniel) Templeton, Sean (Nitika) Davids, Gavin and Jaelyn Cejka; seven great-grandchildren; and one great-great-granddaughter. Other survivors include his mother-in-law, Gerry Boller; brothers, sisters-in-law, Steve and Kathy Davids, Kent and Jackie Davids, Daryl and Peg Davids; brothers-in-law, Terry (Brenda) Parks, Steve (Vicky) Parks, David (Donna) Parks, Rob (Sherri) Parks; many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and a host of other relatives and friends.
A memorial service for Merlyn will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 30, at the Milford Mennonite Church with Pastor Tim Springer officiating. He will be laid to rest at the Omaha National Cemetery with military honors at a later date. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Pleasant Dale Fire Department. The family urges all attending Wednesday's service to wear masks. Condolences may be left for the family at www.lauberfh.com.
