Culbertson man wants to celebrate 100th birthday by giving back to his community

Paul Confer

McCook Gazette

CULBERTSON, Neb. — A life-long Culbertson man turns 100 on Halloween and what he wants for his birthday is to treat, not trick.

Paul Confer was born at home on the family farm south of Culbertson on Oct. 31, 1918. With lots of memories under his belt, he farmed with horses when he was young and also served in World War II in the U.S. Army.

Always generous and active at his church, Culbertson Trinity United Methodist Church, he now lives at Hillcrest Nursing Home. When Pastor Alisa Parde visited with him recently on what he wanted for his 100th birthday, he answered that he would like to feed the hungry.

“He said he had done a lot of thinking on how, but he didn’t think he could do anything as he is in a wheelchair,” Parde said. They both talked about what could be done and later, she talked to her congregation about a free soup supper in honor of his birthday.

They agreed. A free soup supper in his honor will be Saturday, Oct. 27 at Trinity UMC, 502 Colorado, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. There will be no cost, just a warm meal and time of fellowship, Parde said.

“Paul has been on just about every committee the church has had throughout the years,” she said. “He loves his church and his community, so we are very pleased to offer this meal to the community.”

Paul never had children but his nephew, Bob and his wife, Marie, still live on the family farm and he has lots of nieces and nephews. Prior to the soup supper, an open house will be at his home in Culbertson, 501 Tate Ave., from 2 to 4 p.m.

Cards of congratulations, sharing a memory or two, will reach him P.O. Box 93, Culbertson, NE 69024.