David Greig Hurst, 43, of Waco, Texas, peacefully passed away on Oct. 26, 2013. He was a son, a brother, a friend, a husband, but most importantly a father.

David Hurst was born in Houston, Texas, on Oct. 21, 1970. He graduated from Lamar High School and continued on to receive his Bachelor of Science degree at Emory University. He then advanced to receive his doctor of medicine at Texas Tech University and his resident in emergency medicine at the University of Kentucky. That is where he met Dana Aynes Hurst, of Columbus, Ohio, whom he married on Nov. 8, 2003.

It was from there that David started his professional career as an emergency room physician for eight years at Great Plains Regional Medical Center in North Platte. His heart was in the Sandhills and his passions were hunting, golfing, baseball and skiing. David and Dana started their family in North Platte, welcoming both Audrey and Parker into their lives in 2008 and 2010.

From North Platte, David and Dana moved to Waco, Texas, where David became the emergency room physician and director of Hillcrest/Scott and White Hospital. Many describe him as compassionate, a joy to work with, a mentor and someone who always displayed a positive attitude. The stories many have shared about David will carry on as his, to be shared with David and Dana’s children and give them memories of their father that will never die.

Although some may say David lost his battle with brain cancer, many that support and love him say he won and gained. By sharing his journey, he connected more than 4,000 individuals through his story. David’s is a story that is defined with living. He showed us to not let cancer declare your life, but to let your faith and love make your life. It is believed by his family, friends and “Team Hurst” members across the country, that David is peacefully in heaven glorifying the Father he glorified on this earth.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Hubert L. Pitts, Audrey Pitts-Kirkindoll, Ben Morris Hurst Jr. and Jewel C. Hurst.

David is survived by his mother and father, Ben Morris Hurst III and Carolyn Pitts Hurst, of Houston, Texas; his wife, Dana; two children, Audrey Aynesley Hurst, 5, Parker Benjamin Hurst, 3; his siblings, Charles Hurst and Kathryn Oster, of Houston, Texas; his nieces and nephews; and the rest of his relatives and friends.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the David Hurst Memorial online at wepay.com/donations/14639823 or to send a check, please make payable to UBS Financial David Hurst Memorial and mail to: UBS Financial Services, PO Box 23049, Waco, TX 76702. Funds for the memorial will go to several organizations where David’s memory will be carried on, including a remission bell at the new Hillcrest Cancer Center in Waco, Texas. Online condolences may be shared at WilkirsonHatchBailey.com.

Services will be at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 2, at First Baptist Church Woodway with Pastor Brady Herbert of Harris Creek Church, officiating. Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey is in charge of arrangements.

Gary Erwin Hasenauer, left his earthly home on Thursday, October 17, while touring China with his wife, Ruth. At his passing at age 74, Gary was doing what he loved very much, touring a historical site and museum. Gary was born in Nebraska on September 6, 1939, the son of Erwin and Melissa Hasenauer of Stapleton, Nebraska. Gary earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree to prepare him for his career as an educator. His first teaching opportunity was at Berean Mission Navaho Boarding School near Bloomfield where he served for five years and met his wife and married there. He moved on to Roosevelt and Jefferson Elementary Schools in Gallup where he served for 24 years. His love for teaching continued with a move to Belen where he taught all grades as a public school substitute teacher for another 5-6 years. His total involvement as a teacher, head teacher and administrator was 37 years. Gary had many other talents and interests as a church musician, brilliant historian and world traveler. He was a believer in life-long learning while traveling to all parts of the world to soak up more knowledge and facts. He was a walking history book. When he passed away he was serving as the pianist for Rio Communities Lighthouse Church and substitute Bible teacher. Gary’s love for God and his passion to help others in need led him to help many individuals in his lifetime. He and Ruth were parents, counselors, caregivers, financial advisors, ministers, and a support group, and filled countless other roles in touching the lives of hundreds of people. Gary also served others in traveling on nine Work and Witness mission trips where he was involved in construction, cooking and teaching Bible. Gary has moved on to his rewards after a lifetime of serving others. Gary is survived by his wife, Ruth; his son, Brian and wife, Erika; and four grandchildren, Ashtyn, Ambrielle, Sagen, and Sammy. Also surviving are Gary’s brothers, Marvin and wife, Sharon Hasenauer and Mark and wife, Linda Hasenauer; sisters, Phyllis and husband, Dale Stackhouse who reside in North Platte, Nebraska and Bonnie Bonnici of Chico, California. Online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com. Services will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, November 2, 2013 at the North Platte Berean Church with Pastor Larry McDermott officiating. Burial will follow at the Wellfleet Cemetery. Visitation will be 9:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. Friday, November 1, 2013 at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of local arrangements.

Franklin Arthur “Bud” Pierson, Jr., 79, of North Platte, NE, died Monday, October 28, 2013, at Great Plains Regional Medical Center in North Platte.

Bud was born September 14, 1934, to Franklin Arthur Sr., and Catherine Mary Statez Pierson at Gering, NE. He grew up in North Platte, went to St. Patrick’s High School and graduated from North Platte High School. Bud started working for the Union Pacific Railroad while still in high school then joined the U.S. Army in 1957. Following his discharge in 1959, he returned to North Platte and the UP Railroad from which he retired in 1995.

On December 6, 1959, Bud married Gwen Rae Foust in North Platte where they made their home and raised their four children.

Bud was active in many groups. He was President of the Junior Old Timers, Thunderbirds Radio Control Flying Club and Aqua-Sharks Diving Club where he was a certified diving instructor. He was Secretary of the Platte River Sportsman Club, Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Machinists Union, President and Vice President of the local AFL-CIO and a member of the American Legion P.R. Halligan Post #163. Bud was also a National Biplane Champion and go cart racer as well as a Ham Operator and started the local club.

Survivors include his children, Cathy Cunningham and Bob (Lisa) Pierson, all of North Platte, James Pierson (Ralf VonFroisberg), of Omaha, NE and Tim (Lydia) Pierson, of Kearney, NE; seven grandchildren, Lindsey (Jeremy) Loomis, Kenny Cunningham (Sara Palmer), Kortni, Trent, Trey, Josh and Sophie Pierson; two great-granddaughters, Grace and Ava Loomis; his brother, Richard (Carol) Pierson, of Lincoln, NE; and other family.

Bud was preceded in death by his wife, Gwen, in 2009; and his parents, Franklin, Sr. and Catherine.

Funeral service will be 1 p.m. Thursday, October 31, 2013, at Odean Colonial Chapel At C & Sycamore with Father Robert Scheiblhofer of St. Barnabas Parish in Omaha officiating. Burial will follow in Fort McPherson National Cemetery with military honors. The family has established a memorial. Condolences may be shared at odeanchapel.com. Visitation will be 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Odean Colonial Chapel At C & Sycamore which is in charge of arrangements.

Edwin Arthur Schmeeckle, 70, of Gothenburg, NE, died October 27, 2013 at Hilltop Estates in Gothenburg, NE.

He was born September 7, 1943 in, Lexington, NE, son of Clarence and Marcia (Fleharty) Schmeeckle.

Ed Joined the U.S. Air Force on April 2, 1964, and was honorable discharged with the rank of Sergeant on April 1, 1968.

On September 15, 1969, Ed married Connie Jensen in Reno, Nevada. This union was blessed with two sons, John D. and Alan P.

In 1970 Ed opened the Conoco station which he ran until 1973. In 1973 he opened his own truck and trailer sales business, Schmeeckle’s Repair. In the 1980’s Gothenburg Truck and Equipment was created and is currently under T.E.S. for Truck and Equipment Sales.

Ed was an active member of the NHRA for many years, and was known to all his racing friends as Fast Ed. He was able to make his last run on September 7, 2013.

Surviving are wife, Connie Schmeeckle of Gothenburg, NE; sons, John D. (Jill) Schmeeckle, and Alan P. (Lynette) Schmeeckle, both of Gothenburg, NE; brothers, Gary Schmeeckle of Powell, WY; Carl (June) Schmeeckle of Gothenburg, NE; six grandchildren, and a host of extended family and friends.

Edwin was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Marcia Schmeeckle; and brother, Dale Schmeeckle.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2013, 1:00 PM- 8:00 PM at Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel, Gothenburg, NE, with the family present from 5-8 PM, and Thursday, Oct. 31, 2013, 9:00 AM- 3:00 PM.

Services will be held on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2013, 11:00 AM, at American Lutheran Church, 1512 Avenue G, Gothenburg, NE, with Pastor Tom Wilson and Lonna Grabenstein PMA, officiating.

Interment will take place at a later date, in the Fort McPherson National Cemetery, Maxwell, NE.

Memorials may be given to the Racers for Christ or Donor’s Choice. To sign the online guest book, go to www.blasestrauser.com.

Charles L. “Chuck” Haney, 77, of North Platte, passed away Oct. 27, 2013. He was born June 30, 1936, at Sutherland, NE. Chuck started kindergarten early and graduated from North Platte High School in 1953, at the age of 16. He received his Teaching Certificate from Kearney State College and later served in the National Guard. On Nov. 1, 1959 he was united in marriage to Gladys Gayman. He was a certified public accountant for over 40 years, beginning with Hansen and Fuenning, and in 1974, was in partnership at Haney, Ramaekers, and Ludwig accounting firm. He passionately said “There is nothing like owning your own business.” He was committed to North Platte and was involved in various ventures in the community. Chuck most recently worked at McChesney, Martin, and Sagehorn CPA’s. He loved watching his grandkid’s sporting events and enjoyed vacationing with family. He is loved by his wife, Gladys; son, Doug (Mary) Haney; daughter, Kellie (Bernie) Golden all of North Platte; four grandchildren, Nicholas (Kristy) Bryant, Hunter Haney, and Mollie and Hadley Golden; and three great grandchildren, Gracelynn, Taylor and Gavin. He was preceded in death by his mother, Lois Hadley; step-father, Jess Hadley; and brothers, Richard and Darrell Haney. Online condolences may be shared at www.carpentermemorial.com. A memorial has been established in his memory. Memorial services will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 31, 2013 at Carpenter Memorial Chapel. Cremation was chosen. Private family inurnment will be at Floral Lawns Memorial Gardens . Those wishing to sign the memorial book may do so from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday at Carpenter Memorial Chapel, which is in charge of arrangements.

Woody L. Whitson, 69, of North Platte, passed away October 26, 2013 at his home, after a battle with cancer. He was born April 19, 1944 to Woodrow and Marguarite (Seal) Whitson at Hollis, OK. Woody attended Dodson, Texas High School. At the age of 18, Woody moved to North Platte. He served in the United States Army and trained on a rifle team as a sharp shooter. Following his discharge, Woody returned to North Platte and worked as a brick layer, later operating his own construction company. On July 12, 1980, he was united in marriage to Kim Holsten at North Platte. He enjoyed shooting trap, making clocks and various woodworking projects, pool league and working on computers after his retirement. He is survived by his wife, Kim of North Platte; a son, Chase of North Platte; daughter, Neelie Witthuhn; grandchildren, Gage and Daejah ; two brothers, Jerry (Sandy) Whitson of North Platte and Ken Whitson of Erick, OK; a sister, Alice (Paul) Burch of Amarillo, TX; three nieces and five nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents. Online condolences may be shared at www.carpentermemorial.com. A memorial has been established in his memory. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, October 30, 2013 at Carpenter Memorial Chapel with Harold Rhea officiating. Burial will be at Ft. McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell with military honors graveside. Visitation will be from 8:30 am to 8:00 pm Tuesday with family receiving friends from 5 to 6pm at Carpenter Memorial Chapel, which is in charge of arrangements.

Frank E. Savage, age 80, of North Platte, passed away October 27, 2013 at Centennial Park Retirement Village. Frank was born January 25, 1933 in Wellfleet, NE to Harold “Shorty” and Laura Wolcott Savage. He attended school in North Platte. Frank served in the United States Army. On December 13, 1952 in Kearney, NE he married Colleen Smith. After his discharge from the Army the couple resided in North Platte, where Frank worked for Central Nebraska Pack Company for many years until his retirement. He enjoyed his coffee group and watching people.
Survivors include his wife, Colleen of North Platte; children, Carol (Larry) Hemenway of Paxton, Connie (Bill) Thrash, Frank (Deanna) Savage and Rhonda (Craig) Warneke all of North Platte; siblings, William (Vera) Savage of Huntsville, AL, Roberta Barkeloo of FL, Wes (Carol) Meyer and Bob Meyer all of North Platte; grandchildren, Denny Thrash of KS, Tina (Tony) Holm of Sutherland and Elizabeth McDaniel of MO; and four great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Marilyn Louise Gottfried and Eva MacDonald; and an infant brother, Ronald Poe.
Memorials may be made to the Callihan Cancer Center and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.
Services will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday, October 31, 2013 at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home with the Reverend Mike Wing officiating. Burial will be at Fort McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell. Visitation will be 9:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. today and Wednesday at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

Sharon M. Neill, 77, of North Platte, NE, died Friday, October 25, 2013, at Great Plains Regional Medical Center in North Platte.

Sharon was born June 19, 1936, at Tecumseh, NE to Alex and Clara Evelyn Glombitza Goracke. She grew up around the Beatrice, NE area and graduated from Lewiston High School in 1954.

On November 12, 1954, Sharon married Robert William Neill in Lincoln, NE. They lived in Kearney and Broken Bow, NE before moving to North Platte in the late ’50’s. Sharon worked in the office at Memorial Hospital, the University of Nebraska Extension Office and later in the County Assessor’s Office at the Lincoln County Court House from which she retired. Following her retirement, Sharon and Bob headed South for the winters and traveled extensively.

She was a member of the First Christian Church and the Moose and Eagle Auxiliaries. Sharon was also active in a camping club, the Rock and Mineral Society and the Callahan Cancer Center Survivors’ Painting Class. She liked sewing and water color painting. Sharon also enjoyed gardening, camping, rock collecting and spending time with her dogs.

Survivors include her children, Robert Neill, of Denver, CO, Debbie (Rick) Hamilton, of Odgen, IA, Judy Golden, of Charles Town, WV, and Lisa (Mike) Campbell and Melinda Tyler, all of North Platte; eight grandchildren, Lindsey and Myla Neill, Katie and Lexi Hamilton, Clara Golden, Derek Campbell, Megan Campbell-Hazen and Jaimen Campbell; two great-grandchildren, Leah and Gavyn Hazen; and other family.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bob; and her parents, Alex and Clara Goracke.

Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, October 30, 2013, at Odean Colonial Chapel At C & Sycamore with Pastor D. Robin Storer officiating. Burial will follow in Fort McPherson National Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Animal Rescue of Kindness (A.R.K.) in North Platte. Condolences may be shared at odeanchapel.com. Visitation will be 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Odean Colonial Chapel At C & Sycamore which is in charge of arrangements.

Dareld Dean Blake, 76, of Sutherland, NE, passed away Thursday, October 24, 2013, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney, NE.

Dareld was born on April 24, 1937, to Marjorie and Claude Blake in McCook, NE. He grew up in Bartley and graduated from Bartley Public School in 1955. In 1954 Dareld enlisted in the U.S. Navy at the age of 17 and was honorably discharged in 1958.

On August 18, 1957, Dareld married Erla Joyce Petersen at Stratton, NE where they had lived for six years. They moved to Strasburg, CO for two years and Huntley, NE for six years where Dareld worked in grain elevators. They later settled in Sutherland where they spent the rest of their lives. Here Dareld worked for Pro-Ag, the Sutherland Co-op, drove trucks over the road for several different companies and for local farmers for a few years and worked for Simplot in Hershey, NE.

Dareld was also very active in the Sutherland School System. He was extremely proud of the accomplishments of the Sutherland student body and hosted numerous hospitality events. Dareld played a big role by driving the Activities Bus for the Sutherland School where he gained hundreds of grandkids that knew him best as, “Papa Smurf.” He retired from the Sutherland Public Schools in 2012 after 20 plus years of service.

Dareld was a hard working man of many trades. He loved his kids and the kids at school.

Survivors include his sons, Rick (Shari) Blake, of Sutherland, Randy (Linda) Blake, of North Platte and Brad (Angie) Blake, of Glendale, Ariz.; five granddaughters, Kaylen (Lynn) Biltoft, of Columbus, NE, Nichole Blake (Nick Bubak), of Grand Island, NE, Danielle Blake, of Glendale, AZ, Ashley (Joe) Johnson and Justina Blake, all of North Platte; two grandsons, Zachary and Preston Blake, of Sutherland; a sister, Claudine Brown, of Bell Buckle, TN; two brothers, Delbert (Neola) Blake, of McCook and Dale (Roberta) Blake, of Danbury, NE; other family and his many loving friends.

Dareld was preceded in death by his wife, Joyce, in 2009; a granddaughter, Missy Blake; his parents, Claude and Margie Blake; a brother, Willard; a brother-in-law, Dean Brown.

Funeral services will be 3 p.m. Monday, October 28, 2013, in the Sutherland High School Gym. Burial with military honors in the the Riverview Cemetery south of Sutherland. Memorials are suggested to the Bridge of Hope Child Advocacy Center in lieu of flowers. Visitation will be 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, 1 to 6 p.m. Sunday and 8:30 a.m. to noon Monday at Odean Colonial Chapel At C & Sycamore which is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may also be shared at odeanchapel.com.

Thomas Colburn Reed, 88, passed away surrounded by loving family members on Wednesday, October 23, 2013, at Centennial Park Retirement Village in North Platte, NE.

Tom was born May 13, 1925, to Chautauqua Pearl and Catherine Marie Peterson Reed in Moorhead MN. He grew up in East Grand Forks, Fairmont and Albert Lea, MN. During high school, Tom was a multi-sport athlete and later played football at Hamline University in St. Paul, MN. He was a proud veteran of World War II serving with the Army Air Corps in the South Pacific from 1943 to 1945.

On July 2, 1947, Tom married his longtime sweetheart, Joyce Byers, in Fairmont, MN before moving to Des Moines, IA where he earned his Doctor of Osteopathy (D.O.) degree from Des Moines Still College of Osteopathy and Surgery. Tom and Joyce then moved to Tulsa, OK where he worked as a general practitioner for his entire career. He served as the youngest president of the Oklahoma Osteopathic Association and was an active member of the Boston Avenue Methodist Church in Tulsa.

Together with their three children, Tom and Joyce enjoyed annual camping vacations throughout the U.S., always highlighted by a week at Little Pine Lake in Minnesota. As a family, they also enjoyed raising and showing Palomino Quarter Horses.

Tom and Joyce led a healthy and active lifestyle during their 25 years of retirement. They lived in Naples, FL, where they played tennis, fished and followed local sports teams. They loved to travel and visit their children and other family members, including Tom’s Norwegian relatives. Tom will be remembered for his love and propagation of exotic plants, especially orchids, and for his magnetic personality and smile.

Two years ago Tom moved to North Platte to live with his son, Chuck, and his family.

Tom was preceded in death by his wife, Joyce; his parents, Chautauqua Pearl and Catherine Reed; and brothers, Chuck and Bobby Don.

He is survived by his daughters, Barbara (Bill) Read, of Minneapolis, MN and Elizabeth (Bob) Carroll, of Pollock Pines, CA; a son, Charles (Marla) Reed, of North Platte; seven grandchildren, Bryan (Brandi) Reed, Bridgett (Nate) Searls, Kristan (Josh) Strosnider, Lindsay Read, Jordan (Emily) Read, Todd Carroll and Margaret Carroll, seven great-grandchildren; Alex, Rebecca, Ethan, Bryan Charles, Makayla, Hailey and June Kathryn; a sister-in-law, Phyllis Reed, of Pasadena, CA; and other family.

Inurnment will be at a later dated in Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis, MN with military honors. Condolences may be shared at odeanchapel.com. Memorials are suggested to the College of Osteopathic Medicine in Des Moines, IA for their scholarship fund. Odean Colonial Chapel At C & Sycamore is in charge of arrangements.