Merlin Eugene Quillen

Merlin Eugene Quillen, 92, of Kimball, died at the Kimball County Manor on Friday, Oct. 10, 2014. Memorial services were held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 14 at the Trinity United Methodist Church in Kimball with Pastor Carla Gunn officiating. Interment was held in the Kimball Cemetery.

Friends were able to call at the funeral home Monday, Oct. 13, from 1-5 p.m. to sign the register book and leave condolences for the family. Visit http://www.cantrellfh.com to view the obituary and leave condolences for the family. In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to the Trinity United Methodist Church, Kimball County Manor or the donor's choice. The services for Merlin were entrusted to the Cantrell Funeral Home.

Merlin Eugene Quillen was born in Beaver City, Neb., on Jan. 12, 1922, the son of William and Opal (Williams) Quillen. He received his early education in Oberlin, Kan., and grades 3-12 were completed in Beaver City. He graduated from the Beaver City High School in 1940. Merlin competed in sports during high school, his favorite was track and he still holds the record set in 1939 for the 100 and 220 yard dash. He attended Kearney State College and received his BS and MA. While at Kearney, he participated in football and track, and was on the undefeated football team of 1940. He later attended the University of Alaska and Chadron State College. He enlisted in the United States Navy in June of 1942 and served his country during World War II. He was honorably discharged in 1946.

Merlin was married to Patricia Wilson on Sept. 1, 1950 in Kearney. The family lived in Beaver City for a short time. They moved to Kearney and Merlin worked at the Youth Development Center for two years. He then took a job with Pure Oil Company and worked there seven years. He then came back to his love of teaching and working with children and was the principal and girls track coach at the Dix Public Schools for 27 years. He served on the Board of Directors of the NSFA-R for retired teachers, was a recipient of the Nebraska Coaches Association. State Champs Award, and he enjoyed working in his yard and traveling. He retired in 1987.

Survivors include his wife, Patricia, of Kimball; son, Charles (Vicki) Quillen of Lincoln; daughter, Debra (Brian) Beckwith of Albion; grandchildren Samuel, Beau and Bobbi Beckwith, Mackenzie Jeffers, Courtney Levitt and Whitney Quillen; great-grandchildren Megan, Madison and Presley Jeffers. He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Althea and Alrita, grandson Jesse Ross Beckwith and great granddaughter Alex Madison Jeffers.