John Merine Nihart

Reverend John Merine Nihart Services for Reverend John Merine Nihart, 86, of Longview, formerly of Gilmer and Simi Valley, California will be held Wednesday, February 24, 2010 at 2 p.m. at Greggton United Methodist Church on Pine Tree Rd., with the Reverend Jonathan Bynum officiating. Burial will follow in Rosewood Park under the direction of Rader Funeral Home of Longview. On Sunday, February 21, 2010, Mr. Nihart was surrounded by family at Hawkins Creek Assisted Living and Memory Care as he went to be with his Lord and Savior, and his loving wife, Ann, in his heavenly home. He had fought a courageous battle with Alzheimer?s disease for many years, and passed away from complications. Mr. Nihart was born March 6, 1923, to Clyde and Edith Nihart in Lake Arthur, New Mexico. He has been an ordained Methodist minister for over 50 years. He was also an educator for well over 30 years, having served as a teacher, coach, principal, counselor and superintendent, among many varied and various other occupations, including being a professional boxer. He had enjoyed sharing retirement with the love of his life, Ann, before she preceded him in death in 2004. He filled his retirement days being involved in many church activities, and served as part time pastor for rural Methodist churches in Bettie, New Diana, and Hopewell. His greatest joy in life was his family. His favorite hobby was running, and he competed in numerous marathons, and 5K and 10K events into his 80?s. He enjoyed working in his garden and yard, but his passion was doing anything he could to help others. He was also a member of the Masonic Lodge for many years. In additions to his loving wife of 66 years Ann, he was preceded in death by his parents; brother, George Nihart; brother-in-law and best friend, Albert Chandler; sister, Mary Wineinger; his oldest daughter, Beth Fitzner; and great grandson, Keaton Fleet. Survivors include two sisters, Dorothy Chandler of St. George, Utah and Ruth Moran of Roswell, New Mexico; two daughters and sons-in-law, Pat and Don Albrecht of Mt. View, Hawaii, and Cecelia and Steve Fleet of Longview; son-in-law, Dr. Bernard Fitzner and his wife, Sharron of Tucumcari, New Mexico; grandchildren, Jessica, Allyson and Vanessa Brown, Johnnie and Teresa Williams, Gary Williams, Ken and Helen Fitzner, Warren Fitzner; Doug and Justine Albrecht, Darren Albrecht, Peggy Knapman, Carly and Andy Findley, and Warren and Jill Fleet; numerous great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren, as well as a number of nephews and nieces. The family is so appreciative of the loving care for John by the doctors and nurses and Longview Regional Medical Center, all the staff of Hawkins Creek Assisted Living and Memory Care, and Texas Home Health Hospice. Pallbearers will be Don Albrecht, Steve Fleet, Dr. Bernard Fitzner, Ken Fitzner, Warren Fitzner, Wilson Fleet and Andy Bynum. Visitation will be Tuesday, February 23, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial Donations may be made to the Unforgettable Tuesdays Day Club sponsored by the Alzheimer?s Association, located at Greggton United Methodist Church.

John Merine Nihart

March 6, 1923 - February 21, 2010