Melvin L. Shay

Hastings resident, Melvin L. Shay, 85, passed away Sunday, January 24, 2016 at Mary Lanning Memorial HealthCare, Hastings.



Services will be Friday, January 29, 2016 at 11 am at the Apfel Funeral Home, Hastings with Rev. Paul Knott officiating. Graveside service with military rites will be at 2.00 pm in the Kenesaw Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday, January 28, 2016 from 5 pm to 7 pm at the Apfel Funeral Home, Hastings; NE. Apfel Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family from www.apfelfuneralhome.com.



Memorials may be given to the family.



Melvin was born March 24, 1930 to Joseph and Bernice (Reiber) Shay in Juniata, NE. He graduated from the Kenesaw High School. He served in the United States Navy from March 22, 1949 to November 25, 1953. He married LaNora Leetsch on May 18, 1958 in Rosemont, NE. He worked as a machinist at Hastings Irrigation Pipe, and Industrial Irrigation.



Melvin attended the Berean Bible Church and was a member of the VFW Club. He enjoyed gardening, fishing and camping.



He is survived by his wife LaNora, two daughters, Debi (Rick) Hill and Tami Shay all of Hastings, 4 grandchildren, Jason (Jenn) Wisner, Darci (John) Roser, Nick Hill and Mackinzi Hill, 7 great grandchildren, 4 sisters, Phyllis Witt of Kenesaw, Betty Ground and Bonita Harper both of Hasting and half-sister Linda Thompson of Alda and one half-brother Joe Shay, Jr. of Lincoln, and one step-brother Bob Alderson.



He was preceded in death by his parents, and a step-mother, a step-sister Betty Ann Snyder and one great grandson, Jonathan Roser.