Graveside services for 91-year old Donald Kay will be held on Thursday, July 30, 2020, at 2:00PM at the Nebraska Veterans Cemetery in Alliance, NE, with Dr. Russ Seger officiating.
A memorial has been established for the Chadron Volunteer Fire Department or the Circle of Light program. Donations may be sent to Chamberlain Chapel, PO Box 970, Chadron NE, 69337.
Online condolences can be made at www.chamberlainchapel.com
Don was born June 6, 1929 in Sterling, Colo, to Dull L. and Stella (Fenton) Kay, and passed away at Chadron Community Hospital on July 26, 2020 at the age of 91. He was raised on the family ranch west of Marsland. Don graduated from Chadron Preparatory High School with the Class of 1946.
Don married Shirley Mae Morgan on August 13, 1947. He served in the Air Force from 1951-1954 with Shirley joining him at several different bases. Daughter Patti was born while he was in the service.
After his discharge, the trio moved back to take over the ranch 13 miles south of Chadron that Shirley’s family homesteaded in 1885. Son David was born shortly after returning to the ranch.
Don and Shirley and David continued to build onto the family ranch with Don and Shirley operating it for over 65 years. The ranch was an Aksarben Century Farm, and Don and Shirley were inducted into the Dawes County Agricultural Hall of Fame in 2007.
Don loved visits with his children, grandchildren, and especially great-grandchildren. He had a passion for farming, ranching, raising registered Herefords, and maintaining his equipment.
Don served on the Dawes County ASCS board and was appointed to the State ASCS board by then-Congresswoman Virginia Smith. He was also a Dawes County Commissioner. Don was a member of the American Legion, Elks Club, Masons, Shriners, and the American Hereford Association.
Don is survived by daughter Patti (Pete Romanjenko) of Rapid City, SD, son David Kay of Chadon; grandchildren: Angie (Mike) Kuiper of Harrisburg, SD, Liz (Kevin) Ravenscroft of Nenzel, Ne, Kristen (Jake) Hunter of Chadron, Ne, Mike (Elena) Blundell of Hong Kong, China, Joy (Clay) Weaver of Rapid City, SD, Cathy (Scott) Leth of Torrington, WY; and great grandchildren William Kuiper, Kirk Kay, Emma Kuiper, Kayleigh Ravenscroft, Eli Hunter, Lilly Ravenscroft, Payten Hunter, Arianna Weaver, and Jaelyn Weaver.
He was proceeded in death by his wife of 71 years, parents, in-laws Robert Morgan and Mary Elizabeth Parkhurst, and brothers John Bryce Kay, Gordon Kay, and infant Eddie Kay; and sister Shirley.
The family would like to thank the staff of Prairie Pines, Chadron Community Hospital, and the Chadron Volunteer Fire Department.
Chamberlain Chapel of Chadron is in charge of arrangements.