Merwin B. Grafton

Merwin B. Grafton age 84 of Lebanon, NE passed away at the CHI Good Samaritan Hospital May 16th, 2018. He was born in Red Willow County near Lebanon on the family farm on July 18, 1933 to H. Odell & Marietta (Boyd) Grafton. Merwin graduated from Lebanon High School in 1951. On August 22, 1954 he was united in marriage to Virginia North in Lebanon. to this union four children were born: Walter, Peggy, Ron, & Linda. The couple made their home near Lebanon. Merwin was self employed as a welder, mechanic, & blacksmith. His hobby was blacksmithing, as he spent summers in Kansas & Nebraska demonstrating & teaching the art that was passed down from his Grand fathers & father. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church, charter member of the Lions Club International, charter member of the Prairie Blacksmith Assoc., longtime member of the Red Willow County Health Board, served on the church board of directors, the Lebanon Cemetery Board & was a former Fire Chief of Lebanon Fire Department. Merwin held one of the first EMT certificate in Nebraska when the classes were taught by Dr. Gross of Cambridge. Merwin & Virginia would travel to New York for Christmas Holidays to visit the girls while they lived there as nannies. He was proceeded in death by his parents & son Walt. Merwin is survived by his wife of 63 years, Virginia, 2 daughters: Peggy Grafton, Linda & Jim Fitzsimmons; son Ron Grafton all of Lebanon, NE. 4 Grandchildren: Emily Fitzsimmons and Jack Syzmanski of Kearney, NE, Ashlea, Jill, & Walter Fitzsimmons all of Lebanon, NE, 1 Great Grand Daughter: Alice Syzmanski of Kearney, NE. 2 sisters: Angie & husband Roger Wilson of Oberlin, KS, Marilyn & husband Phil Goodenberger of McCook, NE Memorial services will be held at the Presbyterian Church in Lebanon, NE on Wed. May 23rd, 2018 at: 10:30 am with Dewayne Jackson officiating. Interment will be in the Lebanon Cemetery. Memorials may be left to the Lebanon Presbyterian Church. Friends may leave on-line condolences at herrmannfh.com. Memorial Service Lebanon Presbyterian Church Wednesday, May 23, 2018 10:30 AM Main Street Lebanon, Nebraska 69026