Donald Kay

Graveside services for Donald G. Kay of Chadron will be held Thursday, July 30, 2020 at 2:00 PM at the Nebraska Veterans Cemetery in Alliance, Nebraska. Don passed away at Chadron Community Hospital on July 26, 2020 at the age of 91.

Don was born June 6, 1929 in Sterling, Colorado to Dull L. and Stella (Fenton) Kay. 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. Don and Shirley were stationed at several different bases. Daughter Patti was born while he was in the service. After his discharge they 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 along with son David continued to build onto the family ranch. Don and Shirley operated the ranch for over 65 years. Their ranch was an Aksarben Century Farm. 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 the then congresswoman, Virginia Smith. He was also a Dawes County Commissioner. Don was a member of the American Legion, Elks Club, Masons, Shiners, 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.

In Lieu of flowers a memorial has been established for the Circle of Light or the Chadron Volunteer Fire Department. Donations can be sent to Chamberlain Chapel, PO Box 970, Chadron, NE 69337.