Francis N. Mercer

Francis Mercer, age 76, of Page, passed away Aug. 1, 2011, at the Golden Living Center in O'Neill.

Visitation was held Saturday, Aug. 6, 2011, at noon until time of service.

Funeral services were held Saturday, Aug. 6, 2011, at Biglin's Mortuary in O'Neill with Rev. Eric Ford officiating. Music was provided by Bob and Shari Ickes of Page.

Biglins Mortuary in O'Neill was in charge of arrangements.

Francis was born Oct. 25, 1934, in Thedford, to L.D. and Alta (Wiggins) Mercer. He attended school until graduating from Thedford High School in 1952. Francis attended three years at Kearney State College. He then taught in a rural elementary school for one year before going on to further his education at Kearney State College where he was a social science and pre-law major and active in serveral clubs.

On Oct. 1, 1954, Francis entered the United States Air Force, and was stationed in Alaska and California serving his country during the Korean War. He received numerous awards and accommodations in the service and was honorable discharged on June 20, 1958. Shortly after being discharged he returned to his beloved Nebraska Sandhills to work on his parents ranch.

Francis married Rose Skillings in Thedford on Aug. 9, 1959. To this union two daughters were born. Once his father retired from ranch life, he made a living doing a host of different things ranging from law enforcement officer to diesel mechanic for Burlington Northern Railroad to managing restaurants.

Francis was a member of the Page American Legion Post #315.

He was an avid reader and accomplished musician. He enjoyed hunting and fishing; and had a passion for history and sharing it with others; but his greatest joy in life was spending time with his family. He loved sharing his wealth of knowledge and life experiences with not only his daughters but also his grandchildren and many others. He was never one to turn away from anyone who needed help and was always willing to take young people under his wing.

Francis is survived by his wife of 52 years, Rose Mercer of Page; two daughters, Martha Higgins and husband Scott of Lincoln, and Lorraine Rasmussen and husband Bill of Laurel; six grandchildren, Gwen, Elizabeth and Will Higgins of Lincoln, Linsey Van Ornum and husband Ryan of Hooper, Troy and Kent Rasmussen of Laurel; one great grandchild, Jacob Van Ornum; foursisters, Ila Reiser, Alta Mae Chilson, Ruth McMurtrey and Linda Rae Galusha; two brothers, Stanley and Loy Dean Mercer.

He was preceded in death by his parents LD and Alta Mercer; four brothers, Myron, Clifford, Merle and Berle Mercer; and one sister, Chloie Buckler.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Family of Francis Mercer.