David Deaver

David A. Deaver, 81, of Grant, NE passed away October 21st,2024, at Perkins County Health Services surrounded by his family, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Dave was born on September 16th,1943, in Grant, NE. He was the 5th son of Bernard and Susie (Lugenbeel) Deaver. He earned his early education at District 84 schoolhouse near Brandon, NE. He graduated from Perkins County High School with the Class of 1961. He joined the National Guard as a senior in high school and attained the rank of Staff Sergeant with 7 years of service.

Dave married the love of his life, Kathleen Spear, at St. Luke's Catholic Church in Ogallala, NE on September 19th,1964. Dave and Kathy raised their 6 children, Brenda, David Jr., Michael, Valerie, Paul, and Jeremy on their family farm east of Grant.

In addition to farming, Dave started his law enforcement career by serving the City of Grant as a city police officer for 12 years. He was elected as the Perkins County Sheriff in 1979 and served as Logan County Sheriff and Dundy County Sheriff respectively. Two of Dave's sons, Michael and Paul, served with him as Chief Deputies. Michael in Perkins County and Paul in Dundy County. Dave retired in 2006.

Dave and Kathy were avid gardeners and were known for their beautiful gardens. He also enjoyed fishing with his children and grandchildren. Dave loved telling those within earshot beloved and detailed stories of the past. He also enjoyed watching classic western movies in his recliner. He had a known sweet tooth and enjoyed Kathy's baking to the fullest. He was very proud of his large family and gave his grandchildren precious nicknames.

Dave embraced his Catholic faith and was a founding member of the Knights of Columbus Council #7778, where he served as the secretary for many years. He and Kathy also taught CYO classes for several years while their youngest sons were in high school.

Dave was preceded in death by his youngest son, Jeremy; his brothers Jesse, Jerry, James, and Dale; sister-in-law Sandra (Spear) Deaver, his parents and grandparents.

Dave is survived by his wife of 60 years, Kathleen; children, Brenda (Mary) of Elkhorn, David Jr. (Jana) of Omaha, Michael (Lisa) of Minnesota, Valerie (Robert) Hochstein of Grant, and Paul (Daniela) of Greeley; 21 grandchildren Kyle (Brittney) Horton, Bret (Dacia Ludeking) Manero, Ellen (Sean) Hicks, Evan (Jacque) Deaver, Mollie (Devin VanAsperen) Deaver, Dustin (Jessica) Deaver, Kelly Zoubi Thiono, Jessica (Tim) Kingland, Leslie Burge, Seth Burge, Rhea (Ian) Lange, Robin (Jordan) Otjen, Molly (Nick) Hixon, Ann-Katrin (Sebastian) Ronnfeldt, Kathleen (Austin Martin) Deaver, Melissa (Sam) Tierney, Chelsi Howard, Arianna Simpson, Reggie Deaver, Ellianna Deaver, and Alliyah Deaver; 26 great grandchildren Harlow, Lucy, Lydia, Evalyn, Michael, Liza, Rhett, Colt, Liby, Mani, Nora, Owen, Nixon, Niles, Austyn, Ady, Jaxon, Gracie, Hallie, Freiya, Lee, Dean, Maddi, Luca, Bellamy, and Aubriella; sisters-in-law Idonna Deaver, Jody (Gary) Rolfes, and Virginia Deaver; brothers-in-law James (JoAnn) and Matt (Carri) York, as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

The Rosary will be recited at 7:00 P.M. on Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024, at Our Mother of Sorrows Catholic Church in Grant, NE. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Thursday, October 24, 2024, at Our Mother of Sorrows Catholic Church in Grant, NE, with Father Thomas Bush as celebrant. Dave will be laid to rest next to his son, Jeremy, at Grant-Fairview Cemetery following the services. Online Condolences may be left for the family at www.bullocklongfuneralhome.com.