Eugene Vernon Gilland, 67, of Callaway, NE, passed away on Sunday,
January 20, 2019, at the Cozad Care Center after a short illness.

Eugene was born October 31, 1951, at Lexington, NE, to Vernon and Norma
Jean Gilland Sweet.  He was adopted by his grandparents, Claude and
Melinda Gilland, and grew up and attended school in Lexington.  He
worked various jobs then enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1969.

Following his discharge in ’71 Eugene returned to Lexington then moved
around to different cities and states for work before moving back to
Lexington in 1981 where he did construction work.  In 1983 Eugene met
Rhonda Sue Harris and the two were married on June 11, 1986.  After
living in Lexington for a while they moved around to different
communities in Nebraska with his work.  They had two children and
divorced in 2015.  Eugene had been living in the Arnold community since
2001.

Eugene was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran Church but preferred
to study the bible at home.  He was a member of the N.R.A. and a past
member of the American Legion.  By 1994 he was no longer able to work
due to a disability so he liked spending his time fishing and gardening
but especially enjoyed being with his family and friends.

He is survived by his children, Jake Gilland and Lori (Chris) Berglund,
and brother, Randall (Becky) Gilland, all of North Platte; sister,
Sheryl Erickson, of Kearney; and other family.

Eugene was preceded in death by his parents who raised him, August and
Melinda Gilland, and his birth parents, Vernon Sweet and Norma Gilland
Sweet.

Cremation was chosen.  Graveside service and inurnment will be 2 p.m.
Friday, January 25, 2019, at Fort McPherson National Cemetery with
Military Honors.  The memorial book may be signed at odeanchapel.com or
at the graveside.  Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore is in charge of
arrangements.