Gladys Evelyn Nelson, of North Platte, passed away at the age of 99, on Tuesday, September 18, 2018, at the North Platte Care Center.

Gladys was born July 9, 1919, in a sod house north of North Platte, NE to John Albertus and Leora Bell Stroud Horne.  She graduated from North Platte High School in 1937.

In 1938, Gladys married Frederick Arthur “Fred” Nelson and to this union two daughters and three sons were born.  The family lived in many different communities including Kearney, NE in 1944, Oregon in 1956 and Gerber, CA in 1957.  Gladys drove a school bus for 22 years and did sewing for J.C. Penny’s, Montgomery Wards and her many friends and family.
In 1982, Gladys and Fred started traveling in their motor home, visiting most of the United States and parts of Canada.  They returned to North Platte during the summer of 1997 and bought a home.
Gladys was a member of Lodgepole Lutheran Church where she was baptized, and attended the First Baptist Church in North Platte.  She was also a member and past president of the Business and Professional Women’s Association in California and a member of the California Schools Employee’s Association.

Gladys liked being a mother and enjoyed life.  In 2000 she wrote about growing up in the Sandhills of Nebraska in her book, Sandhills Living.  The book included recipes and stories of her childhood that included good and bad times, the dry years, dust storms and grasshoppers, bootlegging, cattle rustling and more. She loved real root beer, had numerous hobbies and crafts, and never missed a Golden Games event.

Gladys is survived by her daughter, Betty “B.J.” Aldrich, of Chadron; son, Stan (Roseann) Nelson, of Longwood, FL; daughters-in-law, Mary Nelson and Cathy Nelson, of Red Bluff, CA; nieces, Chrissy Muller and Geri (Art) Stroud; 16 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren and great great-grandchildren; and other family.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Fred; her daughter and son-in-law, Judy and Joe Gifford; sons, Larry and Ron Nelson; half sister, Matilda Sebold Twidwell; grandson, Ronnie Nelson Jr.; and her parents, John and Leora Horne.

Cremation was chosen.  Private family services will be at a later date.  Condolences may be shared at odeanchapel.com. Odean Colonial Chapel At C & Sycamore is in charge of arrangements.

Darwin Adam ‘Dar’ Brown, of North Platte, died unexpectedly at the age of 54, on Monday, September 17, 2018, at Great Plains Health.

Darwin was born March 31, 1964, to Billy Jr. and Loewayne Lilace (Thompson) Brown at Marysville, KS.  The family moved to North Platte in ’67 and Dar graduated from high school in 1982.  He went on to work at Sixth Street Food Store, Fed Ex and most recently for Inland Truck Parts where he was a drive line mechanic.

Dar had three kids who were his pride and joy.  He loved hunting and fishing with his brothers and liked playing pool.  He wrestled in high school and later became a champion arm wrestler.  Dar was a proud fan of Nebraska football and the Raiders and was a past member of the Moose Lodge.

He leaves behind his children, Justin Brown, of Greeley, CO, Jessica (Andy) Holtorf, of Papillion, NE, and Cody Brown, of North Platte; grandsons, Oscar and Owen Holtorf; mother, Loewayne Brown, of Broken Bow; brothers, Don (Julie) Brown, of Maxwell and Dwayne (Renae) Brown, of Cozad; and many nieces, nephews and other family.

Dar was preceded in death by his father, Billy Jr., and brother, Douglas Brown.

Cremation was chosen.  Celebration of Life will be at 4 p.m. Friday, September 21, 2018, at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore with Pastor Brent Montgomery officiating.  The memorial book may be signed at odeanchapel.com or prior to the service at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore, which is in charge of arrangements.  In lieu of flowers, the family has established a memorial.