Darel Francis Gilkeson, 100, of Sutherland, NE, died Wednesday, March 13, 2013, at Centennial Park Retirement Village in North Platte.

Darel was born May 11, 1912, at Ashland, NE to Denniston F. and Edna Alpha Ramsey Gilkeson. The family moved to Wheatland, WY for a short time before moving to Sutherland in 1918. He graduated from Sutherland High School in 1931 then started farming in the Sutherland area. When he retired in 1996 he moved off the farm and into town.

Darel was a very honest and responsible person. At the age of 16, he took care of his family because his father was ill. When times were tough during the Depression the family lost their home and lived in a neighbor’s chicken coop. Darel also took care of his mother for 10 years with his sister, Mabel. He and Mabel had lived together their entire lives. Darel was a good man and enjoyed hunting.

Darel was a member of the Sutherland Odd Fellows Lodge where he received his 30 year pin.

Darel is survived by his sister, Mabel Gilkeson, of Sutherland; other family including his nephews, Ron (Cary) Sherman and Roger (Kathy) Sherman, all of Missouri; and many friends including Hope and Joe Reyes.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Denniston and Edna Gilkeson, and a sister, Cora Sherman.

Cremation was chosen. A graveside memorial service will be 11:30 a.m. Saturday, March 16, 2013, in the North Platte Cemetery with Rev. Dr. Douglas A. Delp officiating. Condolences may be shared at odeanchapel.com. Memorials are suggested to the Sutherland High School Football Program. Odean Colonial Chapel At C & Sycamore is in charge of arrangements.