- Date Of Birth: September 15, 1921
- Date Of Death: April 19, 2017
- State: Nebraska
Richard Lewis Ely, the son of Alice Magdalene (Garber) and Lewis Wattson Ely, was born September 15, 1921 at Guide Rock, Nebraska. He departed this life on Wednesday, April 19, 2017 at the Heritage Care Center in Red Cloud, Nebraska at the age of 95 years, 7 months and 4 days.
Dick received his formal education attending the Guide Rock schools, graduating with the class of 1939. He continued his studies at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln. Dick was united in marriage with Emeline M. Weesner on January 4, 1942 at Red Cloud. This union was blessed with three children, Richard Lewis Ely Jr., Rodney Paul Ely and Keith Edward Ely. Following their marriage they lived for a time at Omaha where Dick was employed with Glenn L. Martin Aircraft Company. He then enlisted into the United States Navy to serve his country during World War II. Following his discharge at war’s end, they returned to Guide Rock where he worked with his father in the grain elevator business, where he remained until his retirement in 1986.
Dick was dedicated to his community and his profession, as well as his friends and neighbors. He was an active member of the Guide Rock Baptist Church; the Guide Rock Masonic Lodge #128 A.F.&A.M., the Guide Rock Board of Education, The American Legion Post #273; and had served as a legislator in the Nebraska Unicameral.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Emeline, on February 23, 2007; son, Rich, on June 15, 1988; a sister, Helen Smith and one brother, Glen Ely.
Left to treasure his memory are his sons, Rodney P. Ely and wife Laurie of Guide Rock, Nebraska; Keith Ely and wife Kyla of Estes Park, Colorado; grandchildren: Robin Schilling, Renee Coats, Shelly Ely, John Ely and wife Kim, Wendy Cole and husband Nathan, Scott Ely and wife Tammy, and Courtney Ely; 10 great grandchildren; 2 great-great grandchildren; other relatives and a host of friends.
241 West 4th Avenue
Red Cloud, Nebraska 68970
402-746-2500
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We are parted; thou art resting,
From the cares and labors now;
Angels hands are gently twining,
Heaven’s blessings round thy brow.
Thou art happy, free from sorrow,
for no parting her draws near.
Kindred spirits, re-united,
Feel no grief, shed not a tear.
But we miss thee! Where thy footsteps,
loved in lifes bright hours to roam.
Now seems lonely and deserted,
earth is not to me like home.
In the rosy hour of morning,
at the noonday or at eve,
Look we all in vain to find thee,
o-er they absence long we grieve.
But we will not long deplore thee,
for the years will be but few.
That kind heaven hath placed before us,
ere life’s journey will be through.
There we’ll meet thee in thy glory,
and in heaven with thee unite.
There to feel no pang of sorrow,
Joined with kindred spirits bright.
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