 |
| |||
| Radio Station Info | Staff | Advertising | Job Opportunities | Contact Us |
Listen Live
|
|||
|
03/24/2016 - George Darrell Leeling
Funeral services for George Darrell Leeling will be at 10:00 AM on Thursday, March 24, 2016 at the United Methodist Church in Crawford with Pastor Dusty Sprague officiating.
Burial will be in the Crawford Cemetery.
A memorial has been established for the American Cancer Society. Donations can be sent to Bates-Gould Funeral Home, P.O. Box 574, Alliance, NE 69301.
Online condolences may be left at www.batesgould.com.
George was born in rural Sioux County, NE on January 22, 1934 to George and Bertha (Nortness) Leeling. He was raised on the family ranch and attended a little country school.
George married Donita Mae Galbreath, the love of his life, on November 23, 1956, and to this union were born three children, Twila, Doug and Muffy. This last November, George and Donita were blessed to celebrate 59 years of marriage. Over the years they watched their family grow to nine grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and 3 step-great-grandchildren. Having his family gather together for any occasion was the greatest joy of George’s life.
As a young man, George spent many an hour in the saddle with his Uncle Virgil, riding and training horses. He enjoyed raising cattle and haying with his dad as well. He also worked at local ranches and was involved in many cattle drives across several states. Riding and roping in rodeos was a favorite past-time for George in his younger years. He passed the love of rodeo and working with livestock on to his entire family.
When he and Donita married, they began their own ranch and raised cattle and registered quarter horses with some hogs, sheep, lambs and goats thrown in for good measure. He had many favorite horses and dogs over the years. He leaves behind his most recent special dog friend, Katie.
Throughout his life, George was a very active part of the community and his children’s activities through his charter membership of the Crawford Eagles Club, the Elks Club, the Lions Club, the Crawford Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Team, the Saddle Rock Riding Club, the Centennial Riding Club, Dawes County 4-H, the Crawford Boy Scouts as a leader and the Little Britches Rodeo Club.
George drove truck for Leo Daniels for many years. He traveled many miles all over the United States. George and Donita later purchased their own truck and started trucking on their own.
George passed away and received his heavenly reward on March 19, 2016. His granddaughter Kristin Ferguson said it best, “Rejoice and be happy in the Lord, for He has welcomed a new angel into his loving arms today and eased the suffering burdens of this world. We will be blessed to see the most beautiful flowers!”
He is preceded in death by father George, mother Bertha, uncle Virgil, and two nephews.
He is survived by loving wife Donita; children Twila (Don) Winn of Whitney, NE, Doug (Susan) Leeling of Crawford, NE, and Muffy (Brian) Forney of Hay Springs, NE; grandchildren Nathan (Ashley) Winn and Tom Winn of Gillette, WY, Kylee Winn of Rapid City, SD, B.J. Leeling of Alliance, NE, Joe Leeling of Hemingford, NE, Kristin (Brent) Ferguson of Alliance, NE, Jesse (Cara) Leeling of Elm Creek, NE, and Emily and Connor Forney of Hay Springs, NE; six great-grandchildren and three step-great-grandchildren; sister Viola (Bob) Webster; and numerous extended family members.
Pallbearers are George’s grandsons Nathan, Tom, BJ, Joe, Jesse and Brent. Honorary pallbearers are remaining grandchildren Kristin, Kylee, Emily and Connor.
George never had a harsh word or raised his voice to his family. He was always patient and taught them many a life lesson. He was always proud of his family and it made his day to have them stop by to see him and Donita. His cattle, horses and family were his life, and their welfare was top priority in his life. Right up to the end, he was a true cowboy and gentleman, and his family will miss him dearly.
Bates Gould Funeral Home of Alliance is in charge of arrangements for George Darrell Leeling.
Back to FuneralsPrinter Friendly Version Send Story to a friend. |
