Kenneth (Ken) Duane Melcher

Funeral Service for Kenneth "Ken" Melcher age 87 of Pierce, Ne will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, August 30, 2025 at Beyer Snider Memorial Funeral Home in Neligh, Nebraska, with Pastor Troy Watson officiating. Pallbearers (Grandsons) James Winterbottom, Eric Winterbottom, Daniel Scott, Andrew Scott, Anthony Herro, Shane McFarland, Kenny Winterbottom, Taylor Melcher, Landon Melcher, and Cole McFarland. Burial at Laurel Hill Cemetery in Neligh, with Military Rites conducted by Neligh American Legion Post #172 and VFW #5287. Visitation 10:00-11:00 a.m. Saturday, August 30, 2025 at Beyer Snider Memorial Funeral Home in Neligh, Ne. Ken passed away August 26, 2025 at Methodist Hospital in Omaha, Nebraska following a brave battle with cancer. Beyer Snider Memorial Funeral Home in Neligh is handling the arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.beyersnidermemorialfh.com

In lieu of flowers memorials may be designated to Orchard Volunteer Fire and Rescue.

     Kenneth Duane Melcher was born on March 24, 1938 in Atkinson, NE, the first child to Arthur (Art) and Bernice (Trease/Reinke) Melcher. He graduated from Neligh High school in Neligh, NE and then enlisted in the Navy. Ken met the love of his life, Patricia (Pat London), and married on June 1, 1958 at the Alameda Naval Base in California. Pat and Ken moved to Neligh, Ne in February 1959. Pat and Ken were blessed with four children. Besides being a grocery store manager, donut store owner, tax consultant, farmer, and owner of the Orchard Motel in Orchard Ne, he fulfilled a passion and got his pilot’s license in the 70’s and flew his family from Lincoln, Nebraska to Orlando, California in a six seat cessna airplane.

      He is survived by his children: Penny and husband, Dr. Michael McFarland of Azle, Tx, Sandra and husband, Joseph Herro of Lawrenceville, Ga, Alan Melcher of Pierce, Ne, Mary Ann Winterbottom of Aurora, Co. and Jack Day of Starkville, MS. Ken was blessed with 12 grandchildren: James Winterbottom and wife Jessica , of Elmhurst, Illinois. Eric Winterbottom and wife Candyce of Lakewood, Co, Daniel Scott and wife Alina of Prosper, TX. Andrew Scott and wife Emily of Haltom City, Tx, Shane McFarland of Carroll, Ia, Cara Winterbottom of Aurora, Co, Anthony Herro and wife Nicole of Roswell, Ga, Kenneth Winterbottom and wife Jennifer of Aurora, Co, Taylor Melcher and Tiffany Jensen of Osmond, Ne, Christine Herro of Lawrenceville, Ga, Landon Melcher of Lincoln, NE, Cole McFarland and wife Taylor of Adel, IA, and 22 great grandchildren. Brother, Edward Melcher and his wife Linda. Brother Melvin Melcher and his wife Lynette, Brother Arthur (AJ) Melcher and wife Susan, sisters, Lois Fullbright and Emmie Powell.

      Preceded in death by his parents, beloved wife, Patricia Melcher, brother Lary Melcher, Son-in-law, Eugene(Buzz) Winterbottom, and great granddaughter, Deserai Rose Murphy