George "Demby" Harper
Demby was born March 2, 1936, to George William and Idabelle Smith Harper in Benkelman, Ne..He was the oldest of 5 children who grew up on the family farm southeast of Benkelman.
Demby graduated from Benkelman High School in 1954. In August of 1954 Demby and Catherine Merella Gunderman were married. To this union George, Cindy and Scott were born.
He later married Norma Randolph Phifer. Her two daughters Melody and Kathy joined this union.
Demby attended diesel mechanic school in St.Louis, Mo. and worked for a short time as a mechanic; a depot agent for the railroad in Sioux City, IA; and he worked briefly in the oil fields of Wy.. His love of farming and ranching brought them back to Kansas and Nebraska where he worked for over 40 years.
He enjoyed living and working at the Raichart Family Ranch near Max, Ne. He passed away there on August 21st, 2017.
Demby enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping and farming and ranching.
Preceded in death by his parents, brother Lester, sister Lenere Walker and a step granddaughter.
Survived by Norma Harper. children George( Deb) Cindy( Randy) and Scott(Linda). Brothers Dennis( Bev) Leon, sister-in-law Ethel (Russell) brother-in-law Ernest (Sharon).
Step daughters Melody(Neil) and Kathy.
Two grandchildren, 4 step grandchildren, one great grandchild and two step great grandchildren.
Also surviving him is his faithful canine companion, Scamp, who went everywhere with Demby. He will continue living at the Raichart ranch.
A remembrance gathering honoring Demby's life will be Saturday, September 30, 2017. 1-3 p.m. M.T at Rainbow Fountain Park Conference Room, 100 Rainbow Fountain Park, Benkelman, NE.
Memorial designation is to the Hester Memorial Home, Box 646, Benkleman, NE. 69021