Donald E. McFarland Sr.

Nov. 9, 1928-Dec. 17, 2006

NORTH PLATTE -- Donald E. McFarland Sr., 78, died Sunday (Dec. 17, 2006), at his home in North Platte.

He was born Nov. 9, 1928, in Kearney, to Asa Omer and Edna Lucille Miller McFarland. His family moved to Grand Island after his birth and in 1939, they moved to North Platte. He graduated from North Platte Senior High in 1949.

In 1947, he joined the National Guard and served his country for 23 years.

On Sept. 19, 1948, he married Leora Laura Johnson at First Christian Church in North Platte. He went to work for the Union Pacific Railroad as a Switchman and retired in 1989 as a yard master.

He was a deacon, elder, elder emeritus and trustee of First Christian Church where he was a member for more than 58 years. He was also a member and past master of Platte Valley Lodge No. 32 AF&AM, a member and past patron of Signet Chapter No. 55 Order of the Eastern Star, a member and past president of Kiwanis Diamond K, past member of North Platte School Board District 1, past member and president of Good Sam's Club, past member of the Winnebago Club, life member of PTA, a Webalos leader, and a former North Platte City Councilman.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter Donna Lynn Peterson; and two infant brothers.

Survivors include his wife, Leora of North Platte; two daughters, Carol Ann Joyce of Omaha and Christy Joan and husband, Jim Relph of McCook; three sons, Donald Eugene and Patricia McFarland, Jr. of North Platte, Michael Dennis McFarland and friend, Ray Dodds, and Randal Allen and wife, Jackye McFarland, all of Omaha; a son-in-law, Terry Peterson of McCook; sister, Virginia and husband, Robert Decker of Kearney; a brother Francis Dale and wife, Susie McFarland of North Platte; 10 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and Dorothy McFarland.

Funeral services and Masonic rites will be Wednesday 1:30 p.m., at First Christian Church with the Rev. Phillip Hayes officiating. Burial will be in Fort McPherson National Cemetery with military honors.

Visitation is today until 8 p.m. at Odean Colonial Chapel at C and Sycamore and before services at the church. The family will greet friends from 6:30-8 p.m., today at Odean Colonial Chapel at C and Sycamore.

Memorials are suggested to the First Christian Church or to the donor's choice.

Odean Colonial Chapel at C and Sycamore in charge of arrangements.