Obituary for Billie Gene Marcellus
Funeral Services for Billie Marcellus, age 90, of O’Neill will be 10:30 am Thursday, March 23, 2023 at First United Methodist Church in O’Neill with Rev. Robert Wynn officiating. Burial will follow in the O’Neill Cemetery with Military Rites Provided by the O’Neill American Legion Simonson Post 93 and the VFW Post 926. Visitation will be from 5-7 pm Wednesday, March 22, 2023 at Biglin’s Mortuary in O’Neill with a Prayer Service at 7 pm. Billie passed away on Sunday, March 19, 2023 at the Norfolk Veterans Home in Norfolk. Memorials may be directed to his family for future designation. Arrangements are entrusted to Biglin’s Mortuary in O’Neill.
Billie Gene Marcellus was born in Stuart, Nebraska on November 25, 1932 to Melvin and Ella (Robertson) Marcellus. When he was one year old, the family moved to O’Neill to be closer to his mother’s family. Billie attended and graduated from O’Neill High School in 1950, where he was active in FFA, football, and basketball. After high school, Billie attended Wayne State College for one semester.
In May of 1951, Billie met Betty Williamson when he gave her a ride home on a rainy night after a movie. The two married on November 18, 1951 at the O’Neill First United Methodist Church. The couple made their home in O’Neill until Billie was drafted into the Army on March 10, 1953 and was stationed in Fort Sill, Oklahoma, and later Germany. Billie was honorably discharged on March 3, 1955. He returned to O’Neill to work for his father at Marcellus Implement.
In 1972, Billie and Betty moved their family to Broken Bow where he started Ford Tractor Dealership. He closed that dealership in 1979 and they moved to Kearney. Billie worked for Sperry New Holland Implement. In 1982, he transferred to the York location. After his first retirement, Billie went to work for John Deere in Kearney. In the late 90’s, he retired again, this time returning to O’Neill. In 2005, the couple moved to Texas, but returned to O’Neill for good in 2014.
Billie was a member of the American Legion, the VFW, the Masonic Lodge, the First United Methodist Church, and the Eastern Star. He enjoyed bowling, wood working, camping, and annual trips with his family.
Billie is survived by his wife of nearly 72 years, Betty Marcellus of O’Neill; children, Greg (Rhonda) Marcellus of Stuart, Candy Baker of O’Neill, Cyndi Petersen of Columbus, Gary (Sheila) Marcellus of Andover, KS, and Gordon Marcellus of Bassett; son-in-law, Greg Stucker of Sterling City, TX; 19 grandchildren; 45 great grandchildren; six great great grandchildren; siblings, Sharon Smith of O’Neill, Marge (Allen) Reynoldson of O’Neill, and Dick (Joanne) Marcellus of Orchard; brother-in-law, Gordon Fox of O’Neill; and many nieces and nephews.
Billie was preceded by his parents; daughter, Cheri Stucker; granddaughter, Marty Jo Birnie; great granddaughter, Jordyn Bernie; sister, Lorna Fox; and brother-in-law, Ronnie Smith.
Billie Gene Marcellus was born in Stuart, Nebraska on November 25, 1932 to Melvin and Ella (Robertson) Marcellus. When he was one year old, the family moved to O’Neill to be closer to his mother’s family. Billie attended and graduated from O’Neill High School in 1950, where he was active in FFA, football, and basketball. After high school, Billie attended Wayne State College for one semester.
In May of 1951, Billie met Betty Williamson when he gave her a ride home on a rainy night after a movie. The two married on November 18, 1951 at the O’Neill First United Methodist Church. The couple made their home in O’Neill until Billie was drafted into the Army on March 10, 1953 and was stationed in Fort Sill, Oklahoma, and later Germany. Billie was honorably discharged on March 3, 1955. He returned to O’Neill to work for his father at Marcellus Implement.
In 1972, Billie and Betty moved their family to Broken Bow where he started Ford Tractor Dealership. He closed that dealership in 1979 and they moved to Kearney. Billie worked for Sperry New Holland Implement. In 1982, he transferred to the York location. After his first retirement, Billie went to work for John Deere in Kearney. In the late 90’s, he retired again, this time returning to O’Neill. In 2005, the couple moved to Texas, but returned to O’Neill for good in 2014.
Billie was a member of the American Legion, the VFW, the Masonic Lodge, the First United Methodist Church, and the Eastern Star. He enjoyed bowling, wood working, camping, and annual trips with his family.
Billie is survived by his wife of nearly 72 years, Betty Marcellus of O’Neill; children, Greg (Rhonda) Marcellus of Stuart, Candy Baker of O’Neill, Cyndi Petersen of Columbus, Gary (Sheila) Marcellus of Andover, KS, and Gordon Marcellus of Bassett; son-in-law, Greg Stucker of Sterling City, TX; 19 grandchildren; 45 great grandchildren; six great great grandchildren; siblings, Sharon Smith of O’Neill, Marge (Allen) Reynoldson of O’Neill, and Dick (Joanne) Marcellus of Orchard; brother-in-law, Gordon Fox of O’Neill; and many nieces and nephews.
Billie was preceded by his parents; daughter, Cheri Stucker; granddaughter, Marty Jo Birnie; great granddaughter, Jordyn Bernie; sister, Lorna Fox; and brother-in-law, Ronnie Smith.