Floyd Everett Housel, Jr.

Floyd Everett Housel, Jr. 92, of Lexington, Nebraska, died March 12, 2008, at Grand Island Veteran’s Home in Grand Island, Nebraska, where he had been cared for since 2004. He was born October 21, 1915, to Floyd Everett and Mildred (Barger) Housel in Williamsberg, Iowa. The family moved to Hebron, Nebraska in 1928, then to Lexington in 1931. Floyd graduated from Lexington High School with the class of 1933. He attended Kearney State College from 1933-1935, then transferring to the University of Nebraska in Lincoln, where he joined the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity and graduated in 1938. He was united in marriage to Betty Jane Hume on August 4, 1940, at Jetmore, Kansas. The marriage was blessed with three children: Diane Elizabeth, Cathy Jean and Thomas Hume. Floyd was a lifetime member and lay leader of the United Methodist Church. He joined the United States Army Air Corps on December 7, 1942, and served stateside in WWII until August 25, 1944. He returned to Lexington where he worked for Walt Dunlap in 1945. For the next fifteen years, he managed the Rosenberg Company. He was chosen “Lexington’s Man of the Year in June, 1953, by local service clubs, presented during a session of the state convention of the Fraternal Order of Eagles held in Lexington on June 11, 1953. During that year alone, he was a member of the board of executives of Dawson County Agriculture Association, a member of the Lexington Board of Education, serving as President from 1956-1958, District Commander of the American Legion, Worshipful Master of the Masonic Lodge, and Chairman of the Methodist Church Official Board. He was a member of the firm and general manager of Rosenberg Company. As a 60 year Mason, Floyd served a second time as Worshipful Master of Thistle Lodge #61 and was a member of Tri-County Shrine Club, which in 2006, awarded him an honorary membership in recognition for his many years of dedicated service to the club and to the Tehama Shrine. Of note, Floyd was a founding member of the Lexington Country Club. In 1960, he began his new career in insurance with Ernst & Bieck. In 1965, he served on the Lexington Library Board. In 1966, he merged insurance/real estate business with Barrett & Associates. In 1971, built the Cottonwood Apartments, in 1978, built the Carriage House and was a founding member of Park Avenue Estates. Floyd enjoyed volunteering as a timer for LHS track meets, golfing, playing bridge, dancing, walking, reading, cheering for Nebraska football and in retirement, he and Betty enjoyed many world cruises as well as traveling. He and Betty were married 62 years, he was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. Floyd has generously donated his body for study to the Nebraska Anatomical Board. Survivors include one daughter: Cathy (Larry) Foster of Lincoln, Nebraska One son: Tom (Kathy) Housel of LaQuinta, California Five grandchildren and their spouses: Suzi Henry (Mark Collier), Sara (Dan) Sottrel, Amy (Chris) Kielian, Tyger (Kelli) Foster, Paige (Michael) Savage; and four great-grandchildren, Henry and Jane Sottrel, Taj Foster and Sienna Savage. Floyd was preceded in death by his parents; one daughter, Diane; his wife, Betty; his three younger brothers, Lauren, Wayne, and Dean. A Memorial Service will be held March 28, 2008, at 2:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church in Lexington, Nebraska with Reverend Todd Karges officiating. There will be no visitation. Memorials are kindly suggested to the First United Methodist Church, Floyd & Betty Housel Scholarship Fund for a LHS graduate, or any local organization. Reynolds-Love Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements and online condolences may be sent to: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com.