Melvin Keith “Mel” Garrett, 87, died on Thursday, September 17, 2026 at Homestead Assisted Living in Kearney. Memorial services will be held at Fairview Methodist Church near Central City on Saturday, October 3, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Gordon Paulsen officiating. Visitation will be held on Friday, October 2, 2026 from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. at Solt-Wagner Funeral Home in Central City. Burial of ashes will be at Bureau Cemetery near Pierce Chapel near Clarks.

Mel Garrett was born on August 8, 1939, in Central City, to Marvin and Florence (Galley) Garrett. His siblings included: Onilee Weller, Marlene Allmendinger, Orville Garrett, Marvin Jr. and two infant children. He graduated from Central City High School in 1957 and subsequently enlisted in the United States Navy. Mel honorably served in the United States Navy from 1958 until 1960, refueling aircraft aboard an aircraft carrier.

During his service, Mel married Shirley Marie Hilmer on June 28, 1959, at Fairview United Methodist Church. Upon his discharge, the couple settled near Central City and raised their four children: Bradley Allen, Tracey Sue, Russell Lane, and Myron Keith, and devoted forty years to building the family farming business. He later spent five years as an over-the-road truck driver before starting his retirement.

Throughout his life, Mel was actively involved in his community as a member of Methodist Men, the Jaycees, and Pork Producers, as well as a board member of Archer Credit Union.

Mel enjoyed camping, fishing, bowling, playing cards, square dancing, traveling, and PINK lemonade. Above all, he cherished the time he spent with family and friends.

Following Shirley’s passing in 2007, Mel married Marian Collins in 2008. They enjoyed one another’s companionship until Marian’s passing in 2014. Mel was later blessed with a meaningful friendship with Cindy Houchin, who preceded him in death in 2026.

Mel is survived by his children, Bradley Garrett, Tracey (Allen) Gifstad, Russell (Virginia) Garrett, and Myron (Deb) Garrett; sister-in-law, Marj Garrett; brotherin- law, Thomas Hilmer; sister-in-law, Patsy Johnson; nine grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

He was also preceded in death by his parents; all of his siblings; brothers-in-law, Elmer Allmendinger, Kenneth Weller, Mervin and Marvin Luschei; and sisterin- law, Janet Luschei; his wives, Shirley and Marian; his longtime companion, Cindy Houchin; daughter-in-law, Edith (Perkins) Garrett; nephew, Kevin Allmendinger, great nephews, Kurt Hemmann and Blaine Weller; great niece, Lisa Garrett; along with many other cherished relatives.

The Republican-Nonpareil | September 24, 2026