Merle R “Buck” Dow, 97 of Gering went to his heavenly home with his family and friend Chuck by his side at Regional West Medical Center August 21, 2023. There will be no visitation as cremation has taken place.
His memorial service will be held on Monday, August 28, 2023 at 2:00 pm at Dugan Kramer Funeral Chapel with Pastor Al Wilson officiating. Military honors will be rendered. Memorials may be given to American Foundation for the Blind or Nebraska Veterans Aid. Fond memories and condolences may be left at www.dugankramer.com.
Merle was born on July 27, 1926 in Morrill, Nebraska to John and Carolyn (Trautman) Dow. He attended school in Lyman and enlisted in the U.S. Navy at the age of 17 on July 31, 1944. He served during WWII and was honorably discharge May 4, 1946.
He had two sons Bob and Tom from a previous marriage. On June 19, 1959, he was united in marriage to Nellie M Jennings, welcomed his two sons. This love blossomed for 59 wonderful years, adding two daughters Kathy and Jodi, to complete the family.
Buck was a man of many trades: cowboy, seismographer, truck driver for Chester Browns, foreman at House of Hose, Lockwood and a farmer until 1979. He worked at John Deere as a big machinery mechanic, retiring in 1988.
Buck loved playing guitar and played til he was 90 years old. He enjoyed gambling in Deadwood, camping, fishing and woodworking.
Survivors include son Robert Dow, daughters Kathy Dow and Jodi Ferreyra, 7 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren and several extended family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Nellie, son Tom and numerous siblings.