“Ollie” Olvey

Merrill Duane “Ollie” Olvey, Sr., 83, of Alliance, passed away Sunday, December 1, 2019, at Highland Park Care Center. 

Merrill was born on November 6, 1936, in rural Jay County, Indiana, to Cecil and Marie (Kohler) Olvey. He was raised in Millington, Michigan. At the age of 17, Merrill joined the United States Air Force in 1954. On June 20, 1959, he was united in marriage to Loneta L. Mosel in Lincoln. 

After 20 years of service, he retired in 1974 in Florida. After the service, he moved to Black Hawk, South Dakota, for three years before moving to Alliance. Merrill worked for the Burlington Northern Railroad as an electrician until his retirement.

Merrill spent his retirement fishing, camping, gold panning, and rock hunting. He loved to travel along with music and dancing.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Loneta Olvey of Alliance; daughters, Toni Flohr of Alma, Kansas, Tammy (Tom) Lore of Alliance; son, Merrill Olvey, Jr. of North Platte; eight grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; six sisters; one brother; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister.

Memorials may be sent to Tammy Lore, 518 Toluca Ave., Alliance, NE 69301, to be put towards a memorial at the fishing ponds.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, December 5, 2019, at 1:00 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church south of Ogallala with Pastor Wayne Pick officiating. Interment with military honors by the United States Air Force will be in the Trinity Lutheran Cemetery. Visitation will be today, Dec. 4,  from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Bullock-Long Funeral Home in Grant.

Bullock-Long Funeral Home of Grant is in charge of arrangements.