Robert Emmett McTygue

Robert Emmett McTygue, 88, of Overton, Nebraska, passed away St. Patrick’s Day Sunday, March 17, 2013, at the Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney. Bob was born on Halloween October 31, 1924, the perfect beginning and ending for a true Irishman. He was born at home on the family farm south of Eddyville, Nebraska, to Frank McTygue and Mary Veronica “Vera” (Neville) McTygue. He was the seventh of nine children. Bob graduated from Eddyville High School in 1942. He served in the Navy Seabees in Guam in the South Pacific during World War II. Bob married Jean Saulsbury on January 16, 1950, at the Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Overton, Nebraska. They were the first couple married in the church after it was rebuilt. Bob started to work for the Kjar Hay and Grain in Overton and then Burns O’Connor and Skinner, he retired from AGRI CO-OP in 1990. Bob worked at the same site from 1949, until he retired. His daughters know that he was the best dad in the world. He taught them his values; that family is the most important thing in life – treasure every moment! It is important to do a good job at everything that you do. Honesty is the best policy and pride in our Irish heritage. Grandpa McTygue taught all of his grandchildren to drive. They have great memories of these special times with Grandpa. Bob loved to play pitch and cribbage. He was a 60-year member of the Knights of Columbus. He was a volunteer member of the Overton Fire Department and a member of the American Legion. He loved to work in his garden, tell a joke and joke with Jean about her cooking. He never appreciated his middle name, “Emmett”, until he traveled to Ireland for the first time. Bob was on a bus tour of Dublin and visiting with the tour guide. The bus driver made a special stop by the spot where the great Irish patriot, Robert Emmett was executed. The bus driver stopped so Bob could get off and get a photo of the exact spot in Dublin. Donations are suggested in his memory to the Overton Veteran’s Memorial. Bob did a lot of early research for the Memorial and one of his proudest moments was the dedication on Veteran’s Day, November 11, 2012. He was also proud of the fact that he went to Washington, DC on the Hero’s Flight to the WWII Memorial. He was honored to lay the wreath on the tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery in June, 2009. Bob is survived by his wife of 63 years, Jean of Overton, Nebraska; daughters, Barbara (Ed) Scanlon of Kansas City, Missouri; Sharlene (Jay) Larson of Kearney, Nebraska; Peggy (Bob) Shaver of Dallas, Oregon; eight grandchildren, Matt (Melissa) Scanlon of Kansas City, Missouri; Bridget (Paul) Brion of Leawood, Kansas; Molly Scanlon (Ryan West) of Kansas City, Kansas; Mike (Jen) Scanlon of Kansas City, Missouri; Jennifer (Chris) Hall of San Francisco, California; Eric (Rachel) Larson of Lincoln, Nebraska; Becky Witmer and Katie Witmer Scriven both of Overton, Nebraska; fourteen great-grandchildren; Michael Scanlon, Kelsey & Erin Scanlon, Lily, Alana & Katie Brion, Aiden & Ella West, Stella Larson, George Hall, Silas & Sophie Scriven, and, Caleb & Chloe Svarvari. Also surviving are his sister, Anna Marie Brennan of Kearney, Nebraska; brothers, Jim McTygue of Eddyville, Nebraska; Mike McTygue of Sacramento, California; sisters-in-law, Dolores McTygue of Sumner, Nebraska; Doris Saulsbury of North Platte, Nebraska; Nadia Saulsbury of Sequim, Washington; Leigh Saulsbury of Colorado Springs, Colorado; and, brother-in-law, Larry (Gerda) Saulsbury of Lexington, Nebraska. Bob was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Pat and Frannie McTygue; sisters, Patricia Chesarek, Catherine Cusick, and Loretta Herring; and, one grandson, Brian Witmer. Mass of Christian Burial will be recited Thursday, March 21, 2013, at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Overton with Reverend Neal Nollette celebrating. Internment with Military Honors will be in the Overton Cemetery at Overton. Visitation will be held Wednesday, March 20, 2013, from 5-7 p.m. with Rosary to follow at 7:00 p.m. at the Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington, Nebraska. Memorials are proudly suggested to the Overton Veteran’s Memorial. Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is in charge of arrangements. Please share online condolences with the family through: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com. Slán abhaile, a Athiar – Safe home father.