Chester DeVaughn

LINCOLN, Neb. — Chester “Chet” DeVaughn, (Pappy), 76 of Lincoln, passed away May 23, 2026. Chet was born on October 25, 1949, in Hastings, Neb., to Chester E. and Hazel (Lovercheck) DeVaughn.

Chet graduated from McCook High School in 1968 and then received his teaching degree from the University of Northern Colorado at Greeley in 1972. He would later earn his Masters Degree from Northwest Missouri State. Chet began his teaching and coaching career in Eads, Colo., in 1972, where he taught for nine years and coached boys basketball.

While in Eads, he married Donna Popejoy on December 23, 1973. Their next stop was in 1981 at Auburn, Neb., where he taught and coached boys basketball for 14 years. The family then returned to McCook in 1995, where he was a professor at McCook Community College for 20 years. He also coached girls basketball for a few years, and then served as Athletic Director. He retired in 2015 and then moved to Lincoln in 2019 to be close to their children and grandchildren.

Chet was known for his love of nature, as he enjoyed being outdoors and doing activities such as camping and fishing and watching storms.

He was rich in his love for his family, friends, and his dogs as well as many other dogs. He was a funny, quirky person who was always ready to have fun. He enjoyed his career as a teacher and coach and guiding youth. He had an excellent memory, strong faith and a strong work ethic. His family will miss his weather updates and his sense of humor.

Chet is survived by his wife, Donna, and their four children: Cori Hughes; Gwyn (husband Kurt) Sorensen; Preston (wife Lindsey) DeVaughn and Danae (husband Jeremy) Escher; 15 grandchildren: Dillon, Harper, Ella, Liam, Grant, Josiah, Micah, Mallory, Hadley, Cameron, Emma, Noah, Evva and Eden; and sisters Lawauna (husband Keith) Hardy and Nancy (husband Dan) Schwerey.

He is preceded in death by his parents and nephew Zachary Popejoy.

The funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, May 29, 2026 at Butherus Maser and Love Funeral Home, 4040 A Street, Lincoln. The family will receive friends on Thursday, May 28, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. The service will be livestreamed. Please visit www.bmlfh.com for the link.