Merlin L. Lange

Merlin Lange, 75, Washington, died Saturday, October 5, 2013 at the Homestead Nursing Home, Washington. A funeral service was held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, October 9, at Ward Funeral Home in Washington. Pastor Jim Stark officiated. Bob L’Ecuyer played the guitar and sang “How Great Thou Art” and “I’ll Fly Away.” Burial will be in the Washington City Cemetery at a later date. Merlin was born on October 19, 1937 at rural Morrowville to Lloyd and Sadie (Menke) Lange. He attended country grade school and graduated Morrowville High School in 1955, where he lettered in football, track and basketball. Merlin married Sherrill Goldsberry and together they had three children. They later divorced and Merlin married Doris Shoup and adopted her son. Merlin and Doris owned and operated the Happy Hour Bar & Grill in Washington for 23 years. During that time Merlin started Lange Painting Company, which he owned and operated until his death. Preceding him in death were his parents; sister-in-law, Virginia Jonte; brother-in-law, Gary Tobin; and a great grandchild. Survivors include his wife Doris, Washington; sons, James Lange, Beatrice, NE, Ronald (Kim) Lange, Omaha, NE, Kent Lange, Winfield, KS; daughter, Rhonda (Jon) Binkman, Palmyra, NE; sisters, Alberta (Bob) L’Ecuyer, Morrowville, Opal Tobin, Marysville; eleven grandchildren, three great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. A memorial fund has been established in his name and will be designated by the family at a later time. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Merlin L. Lange, please visit our flower store.