Ralph Patrick Vinton, age 65, passed away suddenly at his beloved ranch on November 2, 2017.

Pat was born on October 9, 1952 in Alliance, NE to Ralph and MaryAnn (Manning) Vinton of Whitman, NE.  Pat graduated from St. Patrick High School in North Platte, NE in 1970.  He received a Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in Geology in 1974 and a Master’s Degree in Geophysics from the University of Wyoming in 1977.  He grew up on the family ranch south of Whitman, NE.  He was an industrious soul throughout his life.  While in grade school he would lead his brothers and sisters in building box kites that actually flew very well.  He would round up a couple of his siblings to build remarkable tree houses in tall cottonwood trees using old doors and cast-off lumber.  Later he was somewhat of an amateur entomologist, wowing everyone with his collections.  He would rescue downed baby birds and was an avid arrowhead collector ~ always cajoling some of his siblings into accompanying him on these excursions.  As a young man, he built a “weed hopper” (a plane with a small engine and propeller behind the single seat).  He had great fun with this, again accompanied by one or two of his many siblings.  In 1978 Pat accepted a job with Tennaco, based out of Lafayette, LA.  He worked as a geophysicist in the western United States and the Gulf Coast areas. During this time, he realized his true calling was ranching.  Pat then, in 1989, bought his ranch.  He enjoyed ranching immensely, planting many trees, putting up buildings, building fences and roads.  He was, though, first and foremost a stockman.  His cows and calves were his joy.  Pat was an early riser and a steady rancher.  He tried exceptionally hard every day to the very end.  He is much loved and will be sorely missed.  He was truly a gentle soul.

Pat is survived by six brothers and two sisters, Daniel (Ramona) Vinton of Whitman, Maureen (Jim) Skavdahl of Marsland, James “Jim” Vinton, George (Lori) Vinton all of North Platte, Brian (Joyce) Vinton of Copperton, UT, Michael Paul (Stacey) Vinton of Whitman, NE, MaryAnn (John Noble) Vinton of Omaha, and Timothy Ralph (Lori) Vinton of Whitman; sisters-in-law Miriam Vinton of Parker, CO, and Denise Vinton of Mullen; as well as numerous nieces and nephews and family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents Ralph and MaryAnn; brothers John Peter” Pete” Vinton and Terrance Ralph Vinton; and nephew Jacob Paul Vinton.

Memorials are suggested to the Whitman Community Club and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.  Christian Wake Services will be held 5:00 p.m. (MST) Monday November 6, 2017 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Mullen.  Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 a.m. (MST) Tuesday November 7, 2017 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Mullen with the Reverend Louis Sellam as celebrant.  Burial will follow at Cedarview Cemetery in Mullen.  Visitation will be from noon until 6:00 p.m. Sunday November 5, 2017 and 9:00 a.m. until noon Monday November 6, 2017 at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

 

Barbara Ann Cooper, age 74 of North Platte, passed away Friday November 3, 2017 at Great Plains Health.

Barbara was born on July 21, 1943 in North Platte to Chauncey and Annabelle (Snyder) Amstuz.  She graduated from North Platte High School with the class of 1961.  She then attended Barnes Business School in Denver.  She married Ronald Cooper on June 24, 1962 in North Platte.  Ron was in the service and they traveled and lived all over the country and in Okinawa, Japan.  After Ron left the service, they settled in North Platte where Barb worked at Cody School as a cook for many years.  She then worked as a desk clerk at the Sands Motor Inn and enjoyed working with her railroad guys.  She retired in 2003 to take care of Ron, who passed away in 2006.  She enjoyed taking her dog to the dog park and shopping garage sales.  She liked playing cribbage, yahtzee, computer games, working crossword puzzles and Facebook. She was a member of the Eagles Club, volunteered with the Campfire Girls, Boy Scouts, PTA, and attended Harvest Christian Fellowship Church and participated in God Encounter there.  She had the “Gift of Gab” and could talk to anyone and had a good heart.  She always put others first and her family was the center of her life.

Barbara is survived by her sons Jeff (Wanda) Cooper of North Platte and Shawn (Shannon) Cooper of Omaha; 8 grandchildren Jeffrey (Janine) Cooper Jr. of Council Bluffs, IA, Jennifer (Philip ) Connell of North Platte, Tanner (Jenna) Cooper of Omaha, ShayeLeigh (Timothy) Fread of Omaha, Mark Jacob of Omaha, Corey, Chad and Alexa Sholes of Norfolk; 8 great grandchildren Caleb, Eva, Millie and Henry Cooper, William Connell, Jaylen and Milee Sholes, and Malaki Smith; siblings Carolyn Steck of Oregon, Ellen (Terry) Waak of Lincoln, Bill (Karen) Armstuz of Cedar Rapids, IA and Harley (Karen) Amstuz of Omaha; as well as numerous other family members and friends, and her dog Trouble.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and her husband Ron.

Memorials are suggested to Pawsitive Partners and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.  Cremation was chosen and memorial services will be held 10:00 a.m. Tuesday November 7, 2017 at Harvest Christian Fellowship Church with Pastor Jeremy Rinke officiating.  Inurnment will follow at Ft. McPherson National Cemetery.  The family requests casual dress.  Those wishing to do so may sign the register book from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Monday November 6, 2017 at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

 

George Crossan Allen, age 89 of North Platte, passed away Saturday November 4, 2017 at Linden Court.

George was born on January 23, 1928 in Topones, CO on a ranch in a log house.  The family moved to Arkansas when he was 6 years old.  In the 1^st grade he moved with his mother, father, and brothers Jim and Clyde to Omaha to work for his Aunt Laura, and his siblings Mary and Thurston were born there.  His mother died of pneumonia and the children moved to North Platte to live with Aunt Laura and Uncle Ben on their farm.  He graduated from North Platte High School in 1947.  He married Dorothy Rue and together they had Beverly, Gloria and David.  He married Donna Favinger in 1969 and his family grew to include step children Sandy, Joyce, Roger, Sammy and their spouses.  George and Donna had 48 years together.  George loved to build things.  He had his masonry company and built many brick and stone buildings.  After he was injured in a fall in Denver, CO in 1986 he developed a great talent for painting.  He will always be remembered for all the special work he did in his trade.  He was a kind, sweet, gentle man who loved the Lord and the First United Methodist Church where he was a member for 70 years.  He enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

George is survived by Donna his wife of 48 years; children Beverly Polanco of North Platte, Gloria Brownell of Aneheim, CA; step children Sandy (John) Rowland of North Platte, Joyce (Lee) McConahay of North Platte, Roger (Judy) Kinsinger of North Platte, Samuel (Dawn) Kinsinger of North Platte; sister Mary Parish of Great Falls, MT; sisters-in-law Joyce Allen of North Platte and Pauline Allen of Anaheim, Ca; as well as numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son David; and brothers Jim, Clyde and Thurston.

Memorials are suggested to the Prairie Arts Center and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.  Cremation was chosen and a memorial service will be held 10:30 a.m. Wednesday November 8, 2017 at the First United Methodist Church with the Reverend Dr. Douglas Delp officiating.  Inurnment will follow at the Morningview Cemetery in Wallace.  Those wishing to do so may sign the register book from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Tuesday November 7, 2017 at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

 

Donald Leroy “DJ” Johnson, Jr., formerly of North Platte, Nebraska, peacefully passed away at home on Monday, October 30, 2017, in Eunice, Louisiana, at the age of 49.

Don was born on October 16, 1968, in North Platte to Donald Leroy, Sr. and Bonnie Jean (Anderson) Johnson. The family lived in North Platte until 1981 then moved to Mansfield, Louisiana, where Don graduated from Mansfield High School in ’87.

Shortly after graduation, Don enlisted with the U.S. Marine Corps and was assigned to the 3rd Marine Division, Camp Courtney, Okinawa, Japan. He worked as a Motor Transport Operator and served until 1991 when he received an Honorable Medical Discharge. In 1990, while stationed in Japan, Don married Angella Johnson, who was also serving in the Marine Corps, and their son, Kalab Matthew Johnson, was born later that year. In 1992, they returned to Camp LeJeune in Jacksonville, North Carolina, and later divorced.

On July 3, 2003, Don was united in marriage to Misty Dawn Goble in Brusly, Louisiana, and they were married for 14 amazing years. Together they forged a friendship, and when together they both knew they were home. At the time of marriage, Don gained his stepson, Devon Andrew Delaney, and in 2005, Don and Misty had another son, Kolby Ryan Johnson.

Don eventually hired on with the Union Pacific Railroad and started as a Machinist in North Platte then was promoted to Field Mechanic in Eunice, Louisiana.

Don was a loving family man and a great husband, father, son, brother and grandfather. He was a proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps and a good friend. He enjoyed working on vehicles and cooking but will always be remembered for his sense of humor and making people laugh. Don’s smile and laughter will be missed. He worked hard to enjoy his life and to ensure others were taken care of. He only wanted the best for everyone. Don was taken from us all, way too soon, and will forever be remembered by Misty as her “Sweet DJ”.

He leaves behind his wife, Misty, of Eunice; sons, Kalab Johnson (Tera), of Omaha, Nebraska, and Kolby Johnson, of Eunice; stepson, Devon Delaney (Alisha Baadee), of Eunice; parents, Don, Sr. and Bonnie Johnson, and sister, Valerie Chitty (Ron), all of North Platte; brothers, Lonnie Johnson (Rachelle), of Nemo, Texas and Ronnie Johnson (Rianna), of Missouri; brother-in-law, Shawn Goble (Alice), of Baton Rouge, Louisiana; grandson, Leo C. Zemartis; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and other family.

Don was preceded in death by his grandparents; H.P. “Andy” Anderson, Freda Lucille Anderson, Bert Leroy Johnson and Velma May Purdy.

Funeral Service will be 4 p.m. on Thursday, November 9, 2017, at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until service time on Thursday at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore, which is in charge of arrangements. Burial with Military Honors will be at 9 a.m. on Friday, November 10, 2017, in Fort McPherson National Cemetery, south of Maxwell, Nebraska. Condolences may be shared at odeanchapel.com.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial account in Don’s name has been set up at Adams Bank & Trust. “Fairwinds and Following Seas” – Semper Fi

Daniel Clifton Greeley, age 56 of North Platte, died Thursday November 2, 2017 at Centennial Park Retirement Home.

Dan was born September 24, 1961 to Eugene Vaughn and Glennis Maureen (Knotts) Greeley. He grew up in North Platte, and graduated from North Platte High School in 1979.  Following high school he studied electrical technology at Mid-Plains Community College.  Upon graduating from MPCC, he moved to Kearney, NE with Cami Votaw, his wife to be.  Together they had two children, Zebediah and Danielle.

Dan was passionate about music, especially the guitar and banjo. He started playing with Art Daly and the Buckaroos during his high school years.  He performed with several other bands including Blue Collar, Chance, and Sundance County Line which were the Nebraska Country Music Hall of Fame inductees.  He spent countless hours doing what he loved and always had a project in the works.  He worked for the Sutherland Tree Farm for many years and had a passion for planting trees and gardening in his spare. His most recent job was at AJ Sheet Metal for nearly 20 years, installing and repairing garage doors.

Survivors include his mother, Glennis Greeley; children Zeb Greeley; Danielle Greeley and her boyfriend Jud Gallardo; and grandson, Holden. He will also be remembered by his sisters, Susan Greeley of Grand Island, NE, Casandra and her husband Burton Anthony and their children Alexus and Austin of Hyannis, NE; aunt and uncle JoAnn and Rex Coffman, uncles Lyle Johnson, Rod Pueppka, Dick Fogel; and numerous cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father, Eugene; and grandparents Cliff and Velma Greeley and Gordon and Nellee Knotts.

Memorials are suggested in his name and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.  Cremation was chosen and memorial services will be held 1:00 p.m. Monday November 6, 2017 at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home with Pastor Gary Smith officiating.  Inurnment will follow at North Platte Cemetery.  Visitation will be from noon until 6:00 p.m. Saturday November 4, 2017 at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

Robert B. “Bob” Lowe, 89, lifelong resident of North Platte, died November 1, 2017 at Linden Court.

Mr. Lowe was born February 2, 1928 to Theodor and Lena (Wangen) Lowe, Jr.  He graduated from North Platte High School and attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where he played in the Marching Band.

He served in the United States Marines in the Mediterranean and is the model for the Marine Statue at the 20^th Century Veterans Memorial in North Platte. He was proud of his service and proud to be a United States Marine.

Mr. Lowe took over his father’s real estate business and sold real estate and insurance for more than 50 years in North Platte.

He served as commissioner for Lincoln County for several years.  Robert always looked for the good in people and always wanted to serve others.  He worked hard and gave generously. He was a quiet and trusting man.  He enjoyed spending time at Cody Park feeding the animals.

He was a member of the First Evangelical Lutheran Church, the American Legion, V.F.W. Post 1504, Lincoln County Historical Society, Masonic Lodge, Oddfellows, Elks, Eagles, and Salvation Army.  Survivors include his niece, Barbara (Rick) Kuncl of Maumee, Ohio, his great-niece, Kristine (Steven Beall) Montgomery of Hudson, Ohio and a great-great nephew, Jeffrey Montgomery of Chicago, Illinois.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Donald V. Lowe of North Platte.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to The American Cancer Society for Lymphoma. Online condolences may be shared at www.carpentermemorial.com.

Services will be 10:00 a.m. Monday, November 6, 2017 at Carpenter Memorial Chapel with the Rev. Steve Berke officiating.  Burial will be at Ft. McPherson National Cemetery with military honors by the North Platte Veteran’s Organizations.  Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Sunday at Carpenter Memorial Chapel, which is in care of arrangements.

 

 

 

Richard D Kimball, 84 of North Platte passed away October 31, 2017 in Windsor Colorado. He was born April 19, 1933 at Berwyn, Nebraska to Claude and Helen (Turner) Kimball. Richard graduated from North Platte High School in 1951 and joined the US Air Force in 1952. Richard married Yavette Smith 1953-1972. He moved back to North Platte in 1972. He worked for Wiemmers and Bain Real Estate as an agent and appraiser. In 1978, he worked as ranch manager at Rosedale Ranch. Richard married his longtime companion, Helen Studley in 1998.

Richard was very proud of his service in the US Air Force from 1952-1972 in the Korean and Vietnam eras. He worked as a navigator and instructor and had over 5000 hours in B-47’s and B-52’s. He had attained the rank of Major prior to his retirement in 1972. He received many air and combat awards.

Richard had a love for the outdoors and was an avid hunter and fisherman. He was a founding member of the NRA Whittington Center, Raton, NM. His love for aviation was extensive and he had his 1st pilot’s license in 1954. He went on to get his commercial and float plane licenses. He loved to fly and it took him to many wonderful places where he made many lifelong friends. He especially enjoyed flying to Alaska with his wife Helen. He treasured his airplane and said there was never a landing you couldn’t walk away from. He was involved in many Make-A-Wish air races; he belonged to the Navion Society, EAA and was a young eagles pilot. He helped launch the Civil air patrol in North Platte.

He is preceded in death by his parents Claude and Helen Kimball, his brothers Delbert and Claire, and sister Jolene Becker, stepson Ron Studley, and great grandson Ayden Trammell.

Dick is survived by his wife Helen (Studley) Kimball, children Rick, of Williston, ND and Piper Kimball (Bill Reynolds) of Cotati, CA. Step children Mark (Donna) Studley, Speed KS, Mary Studley, Dan Studley both of North Platte, Deb Studley. 7 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren

He is also survived by his sisters Betty (Clarence) Yancy of Golden CO, Karen (Don) Rogers of Ft Collins, CO and a brother Craig Kimball of North Platte

Memorials suggested to EAA or Civil Air Patrol

Celebration of life will be 11: 00 Saturday, November 4, 2017 at First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Dr. Douglas A. Delp officiating.  Cremation was chosen.

Carpenter Memorial Chapel is in care of arrangements.

 

Leland Kermit Paxton, age 102, died November 1, 2017.  He was born February 17, 1915 in Thomas County, NE, to Jesse Claude and Maggie Mae (Lutes) Paxton.

Kermit was a long time rancher, selling his last cattle in February of 2016. He was active in several livestock organizations, president of the Nebraska Stockgrowers for several years, instrumental in the organization of the Nebraska Bull Test station in Ogallala where he served as manager for 10 years, was one of the first ranchers in this area to switch to angus cattle, and together with his brother-in-law Vernon Jameson, John and Eli Votaw, and Jay Hepperly would have an annual angus bull sale in North Platte in the 1960’s. His greatest love was his horses. The descendants of his original horse, Susie, are still winning awards today. Never idle, he also carried mail off and on from 1938 – 2010, drilled stock wells for himself and his neighbors with a well rig he built himself,  was a skilled blacksmith and mechanic, and did custom haying for his brother, Chester Paxton and the Lutes Ranch. He helped build the Hall Church and faithfully attended Hall Church and the Presbyterian Church in Stapleton; taught Sunday school classes for several years and was active in the Gideon Society.

October 3, 1941 he married Pauline Katherine Johnson and to this union 5 children were born; Anna Mae, Joan Pauline, James Clarence, Colleen Darlene and Leland Kermit. He lost Pauline to cancer November 20, 1966.

On May 28, 1968 Kermit and Lois (Stryker) McFate were united in marriage. Two more children were added to the family with this union; Monte Joe McFate and Grace Ann Booker. Kermit lost his second wife, Lois, on May 27, 2001.

Kermit was preceded in death by his parents; both wives; in-laws Thomas and Anna (Rodewald) Johnson; son Leland; granddaughter Bridget Paxton; great granddaughter Michelle Hunter; great-great grandson Grant Winfield; siblings Ivy (Floyd) Haynes, Von (May) Paxton, Chester (Ida) Paxton, Victor (Hazel) Paxton, Fay (Dan) Connell, Cleo (Archie) Neal; in-laws Oletha (Marion) Kern, Clarence (Maebelle) Johnson, Lester (Susie) Johnson, Elizabeth (Vernon) Jameson, Gertrude (Hank) Lechtenberger, Walt (Donna) Johnson, Fern (George) Frederick, Elmo (Alva McFate) Stryker, Laura (Robert) Pierce, Amy (Ivan) Griffith, Marge (Walt) Bassett and Bill Stryker.

He is survived by his children Anna Mae (Lester) Wyckoff of Barron, WI, Joan (Tuck) Farmer of Stapleton, NE,  James (Bonnita) Paxton of Hillsdale, WI, Colleen (Dale) Pettit of Cheyenne, WY and daughter-in-law LeeAnn Paxton of North Platte; step-children Monte Joe (Madeline) McFate of Callaway, NE and Grace Ann Booker of Denver, CO; grandchildren Paula Platzek, Opal (Troy) Samson, and Julie (Rich Benny) Loftus all of WI, Theresa Farmer of Tryon, NE, Chad (Heather) Farmer of Stapleton, NE, Johnathan C. (Suszanna) Paxton of CA, Steve Paxton of WI, Crystal (Scott) Winfield of Wood River, NE, Clint (Stephanie) Pettit of Tryon, Mitzi Klimek of Omaha, NE, Brittany (Oliver) Pettit of NC, Shalee (Steven) Morrison of Thedford, NE, Charlie Paxton of North Platte, Tim (Bambi) Booker of Denver, CO, Ted (Dawn) Booker of NM, Tony Booker of Denver, CO, Melonie (Lee) Morrison, Melissa (Troy) Donegan, Michael (Rhonda) McFate and Merlin (Donna) McFate all of Callaway, NE.  46 great grandchildren with the 47th due in February; 22 great-great grandchildren; and many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

Memorials are suggested to the Hall Church, Gideon’s, or the Stapleton Cornerstone Presbyterian Church and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.  A Celebration of Life service will be held 10:00 a.m. Monday November 6, 2017 at the Stapleton Cornerstone Presbyterian Church with Reverend Eric Mockaitis officiating.  Burial will follow at the Lone Star Cemetery north of Ringgold.  Visitation will be from noon until 6:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday with the family receiving friends from 4:00 to 6:00 on Sunday at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

Laura Mae Erickson, age 65, of North Platte, NE, entered into eternal rest with the Lord on Wednesday, November 1, 2017, at Great Plains Health.

Laura was born May 14, 1952, to Melvin Eugene “Bill” and Betty Lorraine (Sorensen) Erickson in North Platte where she grew up. At the age of 13, Laura professed to serve the Lord, which she did the rest of her life. Laura graduated from North Platte High School in 1970 then went on to receive her Associate’s Degree in Education from MidPlains Community College and a Bachelor’s Degree in Music and English from Kearney State College.

Laura began her teaching career in Nebraska, she loved to teach and loved her students. She taught country schools at Brownlee and south of Valentine then returned to North Platte where she taught at McKinley Elementary and Lincoln Elementary. From there Laura moved to Atlanta, GA to teach and she worked on her Master’s and Doctorate Degrees during the summers.

After she left Georgia, Laura returned home and went to work for Armadillo, transporting railroaders. She later did testing for the government and worked at McFarland’s Greenhouse for multiple years until her health prevented her from working.

Laura enjoyed playing musical instruments, singing and performing in and attending music festivals. She had great faith in the Lord and loved all her family and going to church conventions.

She is survived by her siblings, Larry Erickson, John (Dotty) Erickson and Karen (Russ) Payton, all of North Platte, Bill (Mary) Erickson, of Las Vegas, NV, and Kenneth Erickson, of Stockbridge, GA; her loyal friend, Fred Larson, of Council Bluffs, IA; as well as numerous nieces and nephews, cousins, great nieces and nephews, great great nieces and nephew, and other family.

Laura was preceded in death by her parents, Bill and Betty Erickson; and nephew, John T. Erickson.

Funeral service will be 11 a.m. on Monday, November 6, 2017, at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore. Burial will follow in Floral Lawns Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be from 1-6 p.m. Sunday at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore, which is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may also be shared at odeanchapel.com. In lieu of flowers, the family has established a memorial.