Dale Wilbur Darnall, 87, of Eustis, passed away Dec. 7, 2017, after a 3½-year battle with Alzheimer’s.

Dale was born on May 14, 1930, south of Farnam to Wilbur and Emma (Klein) Darnall. The family moved to Eustis in 1937, where Dale attended school and graduated with the class of 1948. At the age of 13, Dale went to work at the Eustis Mercantile Co.’s Ford Garage.

On Dec. 3, 1948, Dale married Janice Jenkins. In 1963, he purchased John Wolf’s share of the K.W. Motor Co., joining Elmer Ballheim in the business. Dale’s youngest son, Jay, purchased Elmer’s share of the business in 1983, and it was renamed D.J. Motors.

Dale was an active member in his community. He served as a volunteer for Eustis Fire and Rescue for more than 65 years. Through the years, he was involved with Scouting as the Cub Scout master and was a member of the Eustis School Board, Town Board and Eustis Methodist Church. Dale loved to travel and along with his wife, Janice, visited every town in Nebraska. Dale also enjoyed spending summer weekends at Plum Creek Reservoir, fishing and boating with his family.

Dale was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Bill, Glen and Clark.

He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Janice; children, Rick (Nancy) of Irvine, California, Gary (Kathy) of New Berlin, Wisconsin, Bryan (Deb) of Eustis, Brenda (Gary) Davis of Farnam and Jay (Rita) of Eustis; sister, Bonnie (Nicholas) Casper of Lexington; two sisters-in-law, Norma Darnall of Farnam and Jean Darnall of Glasco, Kansas; 14 grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends.

Memorials are suggested to the Eustis Fire Department or Eustis Methodist Church. Online condolences may be shared at berrymanfuneralhome.com.

Services will be at 2 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 11, at the United Methodist Church in Eustis with Pastor Neil Kloppenborg officiating. Burial will follow at East Cemetery. Visitation with family present will be from 4-7 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 10, at the United Methodist Church in Eustis. Berryman Funeral Home, Cozad, is in charge of arrangements.