Donald Edward "Don" Lahm

Donald Edward “Don” Lahm, 86, of Lexington, Nebraska, was called home Sunday, February 10, 2013, at Lexington Regional Health Center. Don was born June 3, 1926, at Sumner NE, to Arthur Jacob “Dude” Lahm and Ruby Pearl (Fleming) Lahm, the youngest of four boys. He was educated in Sumner and graduated in 1943, and furthered his education at auctioneer school at Decatur IL, in 1944. He entered the Army February 15, 1946, after the first of the older brothers came home from WWII, and was stationed at Fort Lewis Washington. In 1948, Don attended an additional auctioneer school in Mason City, IA. Don married Irene Ruth Biltoft September 20, 1948, in Cozad, Nebraska. To this union four children were born; Ruby Irene (Iszler), Rita Ilene (Beck), Dennis Edward, and Dona Ruth (Sabby). After being employed by Harley Johnson, at his service station in Cozad, Don entered into a farm implement business partnership with Bob Perkins, in Lexington, in 1951. The family moved from Cozad to Lexington in 1952, where he owned and operated Valley Implement, Inc. until 1988. He continued auctioneering until his health did not allow it, while also working for Reynolds Love Funeral Home delivering death notices to local businesses. He accomplished many things during those deliveries; including, getting exercise for his heart health, socializing with the community, and fulfilling his interest in the funeral business. We're sure he checked the obituaries from Heaven to read this obituary as was his practice for many years. Don took flying lessons from Frank Beran, who was a good friend and mentor. He received his pilot's license in 1960. Flying was a big part of Don's life. He was passionate about flying and owned four different planes over the course of many years and treated friends to "first airplane rides". He even missed his grandson, John’s first birthday party because of poor weather conditions for flying, and refusing to drive. He justified it by assuring family that John wouldn’t care in years to come. Don influenced his son Denny, nephew Dave Lahm, and grandson Kevin Beck, to become pilots in his shadow. Don has been a member of the First United Methodist Church, Masonic Lodge, Tehama Shrine, and Oddfellows since his early 20s. Don was very proud of his Masonic 60-year pin. We will miss Don's stories, jokes, and Popeye artwork on little kid's tummies. As one cousin put it, Don was “one cool character”. Don is preceded in death by his parents, brothers Richard, Russell, and A.R. (Mac), son, Dennis; grandchildren, Melissa Major and John Beck. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Irene, daughters, Ruby (Roger) Iszler, Rapid City, SD; Rita (David) Beck, Nebraska City NE, and Chicago IL; Dona (Larry) Sabby, Fargo ND; 5 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Funeral Services will be held Monday, February 18, 2013, at 11:00 a.m. at First United Methodist Church in Lexington with Reverend Tess Hufford officiating. Masonic Rites will also be held at the church by Thistle Lodge #61. Visitation will be Sunday, February 17, 2013, from 5-7 p.m. at the Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington. Memorials are suggested to First United Methodist Church, Lexington Volunteer Fire Department, or the Masonic Lodge. It was Don’s wishes his body be cremated following the funeral service. Inurnment will be held at a later date in Greenwood Cemetery at Lexington with full Military Honors. Reynolds-Love Funeral Home is honored to be charge of Don’s arrangements. Please share online condolences with the family through: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com.