Billie G. Marcellus

Billie Gene Marcellus, 90, of O'Neill, died Sunday, March 19, 2023 at the Veteran's Home in Norfolk.

Visitation was held Wednesday, March 22, 2023 at Biglin's Mortuary in O'Neill with a prayer service.

Funeral services were held Thursday, March 23, 2023 at the First United Methodist Church in O'Neill. Rev. Robert Wynn officiated.

Burial was in the O'Neill Cemetery in O'Neill with military honors provided by the O'Neill American Legion Simonson Post 93 and VFW Post 296.

Memorials may be made to the family for future designation.

Billie was born in Stuart on Nov. 25, 1932 to Melvin and Ella (Robertson) Marcellus. When he was one year old, the family moved to O'Neill to be closer to his mother's family. Billie attended and graduated from O'Neill High School in 1950, where he was active in FFA, football and basketball. After high school, Billie attended Wayne State College for one semester.

In May of 1951, Billie met Betty Williamson when he gave her a ride home on a rainy night after a movie.  The two married on Nov. 18, 1951 at the O'Neill First United Methodist Church. The couple made their home in O'Neill until Billie was drafted into the U.S. Army on March 10, 1953 and was stationed in Fort Sill, OK, and later Germany. Billie was honorably discharged on March 3, 1955. He returned to O'Neill to work for his father at Marcellus Implement.

In 1972, Billie and Betty moved their family to Broken Bow where he started Ford Tractor Dealership. He closed that dealership in 1979 and they moved to Kearney. Billie worked for Sperry New Holland Implement. In 1982, he transferred to the York location. After his first retirement, Billie went to work for John Deere in Kearney. In the late 90's, he retired again, this time returning to O'Neill. In 2005, the couple moved to Texas, but returned to O'Neill for good in 2014.

Billie was a member of the American Legion, the VFW, the Masonic Lodge, the First United Methodist Church and the Eastern Star. 

He enjoyed bowling, wood working, camping and annual trips with his family.

Billie is survived by his wife of nearly 72 years Betty Marcellus of O'Neill; five children Greg (Rhonda) Marcellus of Stuart, Candy Baker of O'Neill, Cyndi Petersen of Columbus, Gary (Sheila) Marcellus of Andover, KS and Gordon Marcellus of Bassett; one son-in-law Greg Stucker of Sterling City, Texas; 19 grandchildren; 45 great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; three siblings Sharon Smith and Marge (Allen) Reynoldson, all of O'Neill, and Dick (Joanne) Marcellus of Orchard; one brother-in-law Gordon Fox of O'Neill; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one daughter Cheri Stucker, one granddaughter Marty Jo Birnie, one great-granddaughter Jordyn Bernie, one sister Lorna Fox and one brother-in-law Ronnie Smith.