August “Augie” Robert Torrez, age 71, of North Platte, passed away Monday August 3, 2015 at Bryan East in Lincoln. He was born September 11, 1943 in Sterling, CO to August Sr. and Louise Salzado-Torrez. He attended school at North Platte High School. After school he began work at Brewer’s Construction. He also worked for the State of Nebraska before hiring on the UPRR as a fireman/oiler. On March 14, 1975 he married Barbara Ann Liptrap in North Platte. The couple lived in North Platte and he retired from the railroad in 2005. Augie loved football, especially the Cornhuskers, and he enjoyed spending time with his family.
Augie is survived by his wife, Barbara of North Platte; four sons, Pete (Rachel) Torrez of North Platte, Brian (Tammy) Torrez of North Platte, Jason (Echo) Torrez of Stapleton, Scott (Miranda) Torrez of North Platte; 15 grandchildren; seven siblings, Pete (Delores) Torres of North Platte, Ben (Angie) Torres of North Platte, Nick (Carolyn) Torres of Sterling, CO, Josie Lintz of North Platte, Camelia Arcoren of Scottsbluff, Mary Ellen Gurule of Scottsbluff and Angie Guscette of South Dakota; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Don and Lupe; and sisters Ramona and Mary.
Memorials are suggested in his name and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com. Christian Wake Service will be 7:00 p.m. Sunday August 9th at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m. Monday, August 10th at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church with the Reverend James Golka officiating. Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery south of Sutherland. Visitation will be from noon until 6:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

Steven Douglas Arriola, 37, was called to be the Lord on July 28, 2015 in Memphis, TN. Steven was born to Joseph Michael and Shirrel E Shumpert Caudillo, in North Platte, NE, on October 23, 1977. He was united in marriage to Olivia Davis Arriola; they had one son Davis Micheal Arriola. Steven’s greatest love was sharing precious moments with his son. Steven loved camping and Frisbee golfing with his brother, Anthony. Steve always had a smile for everyone, even strangers, and his laugh was contagious. He leaves behind his mother Shirrel and dad Joseph Michael of Olive Branch, MS, his brothers; Scott Peyton, of Illinois, Brian Arriola of Ogallala, NE, Anthony Arriola of Olive Branch, MS, his son Davis Michael Arriola and his mother Olivia Arriola of Collierville, TN, first cousins; Stephanie Shumpert Brigham of Phoenix, AZ, Rodney Callahan, of Corinth, MS, uncle and aunt Mike & Patty Shumpert of North Platte, NE and cousins Michael John and Matt Shumpert of North Platte, NE and many other family members. He was preceded in death by his grandparents; Murrel & Fay Shumpert, his dad Robert J Arriola, uncles; Jim and Gregory Shumpert, aunts; Sandra Fay Callahan and Margaret Diane Webster. Arrangements entrusted to High Point Funeral Home, Memphis, TN 901-454-5975

Harold C. Chapman, 68, of North Platte, NE, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, August 2, 2015, at Great Plains Health in North Platte.

Harold was the oldest of three children born to Harold Conrad, Jr. and Donaldean Lorene Beisner Chapman. He was born November 6, 1946, at North Platte where he grew up. Harold attended Buffalo Elementary School and graduated from North Platte High School in 1965.

When Harold enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1965, he continued a tradition of service to our country which began with his grandfather who served in W.W.I and W.W.II and his father who was in W.W.II. Harold served two tours of Vietnam and was very proud of his military service. He received two Purple Hearts, two Medals of Valor as well as other medals and commendations.

Following his discharge in 1971 Harold returned to North Platte where he worked for Municipal Light & Water and learned the electrical craft from his friend, Jack Frieberg. He also worked as a projectionist for the Fox Theater and Pawnee Drive-in for a couple years.

On December 29, 1977, Harold was united in marriage to Jonelle Christine Fredericksen at the Fredericksen family farm home in RR Newell, IA, and to this union Katie and Aaron were born. The family later lived in the same home Harold grew up in.

Harold hired on with the Union Pacific Railroad in 1978 as a Diesel Electrician and retired in 2011 after 33 years. He is well remembered at the railroad for his personality and willingness to help apprentices who wanted to learn their craft “from an old head”. While working for the railroad Harold was involved in the Total Safety Culture Committee and helped in the training process for the Total Safety Culture Environment. Through his dedication and hard work Harold was recognized as UPRR Employee of the Month.

When Harold was laid off from the railroad in the ’80’s he attended Mid-Plains Community College. He was a member of Phi Theta Kappa and received his Associate of Arts Degree in 1987.

Harold liked to grow flowers and go fishing. He was a life member of the V.F.W. Post #1504, D.A.V. Chapter #5, a member and Master Mason of Platte Valley Lodge #32 AF&AM and a member of Signet Chapter #55 Order of Eastern Star.

Most importantly Harold loved his family and was so proud of his children. He adored his grandchildren and loved sharing candy corn with them. Harold will always be remembered for being “the fireworks guy” on the 4th of July. He wanted to give children and adults great July 4th memories. He took pride in his firework shows and helped the young men who were on “the firing line”.

Harold leaves behind his wife, Jonelle, and children, Kathryn ‘Katie’, Aaron ‘AJ’ and Brad Chapman, all of North Platte; his beloved grandchildren, Dylan, Mattis and Addison; his sister, Sally (Bob) Pinneker, of Paxton, NE; brother, Terry (Bonnie) Chapman, of Sierra Vista, AZ; aunt and uncle, Sharon and Ron Beisner, Sr., of North Platte; mother-in-law, Alice Fredericksen, of Sac City, IA; sister-in-law, Marilee (Bill) Kleespies, of Rolfe, IA; brother-in-law, Alan (Christine) Fredericksen, of Flagstaff, AZ; and many nieces, nephews and other family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Donna; grandparents, Harold and Wauneta Chapman and Clyne and Hilda Beisner; father-in-law, Donald L. Fredericksen; and brother-in-law, Dr. David Fredericksen.

Funeral service will be 10 a.m. Thursday, August 6, 2015, at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore with Rev. Dr. Douglas A. Delp officiating. Burial with military honors and Masonic Rites will follow in Fort McPherson National Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore which is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may also be shared at odeanchapel.com. The family has established a memorial.

Angela D. “Angie” Miller, age 43, of Ravenna and formerly of Ogallala, passed away Friday, July 31, 2015 near Paxton as a result of an auto accident. She was born March 15, 1972 at Grand Island, NE to Joseph and Barbara (Rose) Call. Angie attended school at Ogallala and was united in marriage to Roger Miller on November 17, 1988 at Julesburg, CO. They lived in Ogallala and later moved to Ravenna in 2001. She was employed at Tiffany Square in Grand Island for over 10 years. Angie was a special mother to her four sons and a loving wife. Nothing meant more to her than them. She loved camping at Lake McConaughy with her family and friends. Angie was always smiling and laughing. She went out of her way to help family, friends, co-workers and the residents of Tiffany Square. Angie was an excellent aunt who would sew, shop and do all things girlie with her nieces. She is survived by her husband, Roger, four sons, Chan, Ryen, Rusty, and Riley, father, Joseph Call, sister, Harmoni (John) Wagner, grandparents, Margaret Call, Joe and Dee Carpenter, father and mother in-law, Walter D. and Darlene B. Miller, and other relatives, Angie was preceded in death by her mother, Barbara (Bobbi Jo) Call and grandfather Donald Call. Services will be 11:00 am Friday, August 7, 2015 at the Rock Church located at 2001 West A Street in North Platte. Inurnment will be at Floral Lawns Memorial Gardens. Cremation has been chosen. A memorial has been established in her memory. Those wishing to sign the register book may do so online at www.carpentermemorial.com or from 9 am to 5 pm Monday through Thursday at Carpenter Memorial Chapel.

Jack Eakins Doucet, 65, of Everett, WA, formerly of North Platte, NE, passed away Saturday, January 24, 2015, in Everett.
Jack was born to Ardis (Eakins) and Joseph Doucet on January 19, 1950, in Sutherland, NE and grew up in North Platte. He graduated from North Platte High School in 1968 then married Pat Topp on August 30.

He worked for Municipal Light and Water before attending Cheyenne AeroTech. Jack later went to work for Boeing in Everett.

He served in the National Guard and was a member of the American Veterans Motorcycle Club. Jack enjoyed his family, fishing and riding his Harley.

He is survived by his wife, Pat, of Everett; sons, Russell (Amy), of North Platte and Dave (Anita); a daughter, Kristine; his grandchildren, Nick, Kaitlyn, Levi, Katelyn, Dennon, Tim (Ashley), Chelsea and Jonathon; a great-grandson, Braydan; a brother, Doug (Rosetta), of North Platte; sisters, Charlene (Mick) McFadden and Barbara (John) Van Pelt, all of Paxton; his special dog, Lucy; and many nieces, nephews and other family.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents and in-laws; a brother, Joseph; brother-in-law, Lyle Ecker; and his niece and nephew, Shelley and Jeff Ecker.

Cremation was chosen. Memorial Service will be 11 a.m. Saturday, August 8, 2015, at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore with Pastor Richard Karr officiating. The memorial book may be signed at odeanchapel.com or prior to the service at the funeral home. Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore is in charge of arrangements.

William ‘Bill’ B. Votaw, 100, of North Platte, NE, passed away Monday, July 27, 2015, at the Grand Island Veteran’s Home.

During W.W.I Bill was born on June 9, 1915, to Eli B., Sr. and Clara Grace Swink Votaw at Wellfleet, NE. He grew up on a farm northeast of Wellfleet and graduated from Curtis High School. Following his education he farmed with his family.

Bill was united in marriage to Opal Wisner on November 15, 1942, at North Platte. Bill served in the U.S. Army Air Corps from 1944 to 1945 during W.W.II. After his discharge, Bill returned to Nebraska. He and Opal settled in a home north of North Platte and that is where he resided until 2013 when he moved to the Grand Island Veteran’s Home. After nearly 68 years of marriage Opal passed away in 2010.

Bill farmed, drove a truck, was a mechanic and hired on with the Union Pacific Railroad where he worked in the Round House and later in the Car Department.

Bill was a member of P.R. Halligan Post #136 American Legion and the First Christian Church. He loved his family and thoroughly enjoyed his grandkids and great-grandkids. Bill was an all-round handy man who could fix anything and loved to create something new out of something old.

He leaves behind his children, Jim (Shirley) Votaw, of Anderson, SC, Carolyn (Richard) Weekly and Judy McConnaughey, all of North Platte, and Belinda (Mickey) Miller, of Tryon, NE; sister-in-law, Bette Votaw, of Lincoln, NE; 13 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews and other family.

Along with his wife Opal, Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Eli and Grace; four brothers, Eli B. ‘Bus’ Jr., John, Abner and Delmar Votaw; four sisters, Lillie Mae Shanafelt, Janet Zezula and Ella and Amy Votaw; and a grandson, Charles W. Johnston.

Funeral service will be 1:30 p.m. Saturday, August 1, 2015, at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore with Pastor Cindy Ballard officiating. Burial with military honors will follow in the Wellfleet Cemetery. Visitation will be 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore which is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may also be shared at odeanchapel.com. Memorials are suggested to the First Christian Church Youth Fund.

Garry Edgar Phelps, 76, passed away peacefully with his loving wife by his side on July 27th, 2015 at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska. He was born on March 17th, 1939 in Max, Nebraska to Flotow and Ruby (Royse) Phelps. Garry moved to Wallace, Nebraska when he was just 4 years old, and spent the entirety of his life in the Wallace community. He graduated from Wallace High School in 1957. After high school he began work for the Wallace Lumberyard. Over the next 50 years he worked for the Wallace Coop, and along with his wife,
was the owner of the local grocery store, Phelps Market. He retired from the Lincoln County Road Department in 2006 after 31 years of service. Garry lived a simple life doing the things he loved most, hunting, fishing and spending time at the lake with his family and friends. He also gave much of his time to his community, serving as chairman of the Wallace Fall Festival on several occasions, acting as the Wallace Volunteer Fire Department Chief, and sitting on the Wallace Town Board. He will also be well remembered for his famous Bull Fries that always brought family and friends together for a good time. Garry married Helen Jeanette Fletcher on August 6th, 1960 in Wellfleet, Nebraska at the St. Williams
Catholic Church. They were happily married for 54 years. Garry was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church of Wallace. He enjoyed woodworking, carpentry, and playing on his tractor. If asked, he’d say his greatest accomplishment was raising three boys. Garry was preceded in death by his parents, Flotow and Ruby (Royse) Phelps; an infant son, Claude Allen; father in law, John Fletcher; mother in law, Melvina Fletcher (Gibson); sister in law, Carolyn DeMilt (Fletcher); and brother in law, Dean Lundvall.
Garry is survived by his spouse, Helen Jeanette of Wallace, NE; his sons, Gerry (Diana) Phelps of North Platte, Nebraska, Barry (Blake) Olesen-Phelps of Colorado Springs, Colorado and Patrick (Sharen) Phelps of Chappell, Nebraska; his sister, Marita Lundvall of Wallace, Nebraska; his brother, Darrel ( Peggy) Phelps of Grand Junction, Colorado; and his sister, Luana (Don) Cross of Munds Park, Arizona. Garry also leaves 10 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews and other relatives he loved dearly.
Online condolences may be shared at www.carpentermemorial.com. A Rosary will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Wallace Nebraska at 7:00 pm on Thursday, July 30th, 2015. A service celebrating Garry’s life will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Wallace Nebraska at 10:30 am Friday, July 31st, 2015. Burial will follow at Morningview Cemetery, Wallace Nebraska. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations be made to the Garry Phelps Memorial Fund at Farmer’s State Bank in Wallace Nebraska. Carpenter Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Walter (Roy) Leroy Carlyle of North Platte, born January 28, 1927, in Giltner, NE, to Frank and Clara (Reab) Carlyle, died July 22, 2015, at the Golden Living Center in Cozad, NE.
Walt served in the United States Navy 1944-1945, and one of his proudest moments was participating in a Flight of Honor to the WWII monument in Washington, DC in 2009. He worked for the Union Pacific Railroad for 42 years as a Conductor and Brakeman. He was very active in the Old Timers Club and served as President in the mid 70’s. He volunteered at the Golden Spike Tower in North Platte for several years. Walt spent countless hours working at the Lincoln County Museum restoring old equipment and farm machinery. His biggest project was restoring a ditch plow and he received a commendation from the American Association for State and Local History after completion in 2000.
He was the best neighbor, always willing to help out with anything that was needed. After each snowstorm, he could be found outside, plowing driveways for other residents of Apache Drive. In 2006, Walt participated in numerous volunteer activities for the North Platte Canteen celebration. He was a life-long learner taking many adult enrichment classes. He was extremely creative, and there was nothing he couldn’t build or fix. He always had several projects of all kinds going at once. To view his shop was to know the real Walter. Magic was created there as he built the most amazing and beautiful items and restored cast offs to glory. Walt had a green thumb and his yard abounded with growing wonders. He loved birds, in particular his martens, who happily returned to his yard year after year.
Mr. Carlyle was also a sportsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing and won many awards in scuba diving competitions. He and his wife owned Roy’s Dive Shop for several years in Grand Island, and taught scubadiving certification classes. With his family, he enjoyed camping, boating and exploring, especially at Lake McConaughy. He will be missed at the “breakfast club” by his dear friends.
His loving wife, Rogene, predeceased him in February of this year.
Mr. Carlyle is survived by his 3 children: Terrylene Wheeler (Bruce), Cristy Jokerst (William), and Danny Carlyle (Shirley), 5 grandchildren: Jennie Karros (Jim), Jesse Carlyle, Jamie Carlyle (Leah), Mitchell and Samuel Wheeler, his sister Betty Shuman and his brother Kenneth Carlyle.
Graveside services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, July 31, 2015 at Fort McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell, Ne. In lieu of flowers the family suggests that donations be made to Bryan Alzheimer’s Research Center, 710 West Main Street, Suite 200, Durham, NC 27701 or The North Platte Senior Center, 901 East 10th Street, North Platte, NE. Online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com. Those wishing to sign the register book may do so 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Thursday, July 30, 2015 at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.