Gary Boyd Rasmussen, Sr.

Gary Boyd Rasmussen, Sr., 76, of Lexington, Nebraska, passed away Friday, December 11, 2015, at his home in Lexington, surrounded by his loving family. Gary was born November 27, 1939, in Eddyville, Nebraska, to Earl William and Avis LaRaine (Nelson) Rasmussen. Following graduation from Lexington High School in 1958, Gary joined the United States Air Force. He was stationed in Maine, transferred to Syracuse, New York, serving with the Air Police. He married his first wife, and from this marriage they had three children; Deb, Pamella, and Gary Michael. The couple divorced in 1969. He then met and married the love of his life, Donna Jean Cole, and they returned to Nebraska and were married March 3, 1970, in Julesburg, Colorado. Three children were born to this marriage; Samantha, Gary Boyd, Jr., and William Earl. In 1970, Gary started driving truck for Paulsen’s. He then drove truck over-the-road for a trucking company based out of North Dakota. In May of 1978, he opened Gary’s Kleen & Shine in Lexington. This was a job he absolutely loved and the entire family was involved. He made many friends through the years. In 1997, he closed the cleaning business and went to work for John Deere doing Farm Ag shows until October of 1998, when he had to retire due to failing health. Gary enjoyed fishing, pheasant hunting, taking drives in the country, Nebraska sunsets, woodworking, driving truck, visiting with people, and watching Westerns on TV. He loved being with family and playing the “Family Card Game”! Gary will always be remembered as a man with a warm smile, a great handshake, and a kind word for everyone. He will be so very missed. Survivors include his wife; Donna Rasmussen of Lexington, Nebraska; his children; Deb (Doug) Hurley of Phoenix, Arizona, Pamella (Ken) Patch of Central Square, New York, Gary Michael of Phoenix, Arizona, Samantha Rasmussen of Elm Creek, Nebraska, Gary B. (Pamela) Rasmussen, Jr. of Foster, Oregon, and William (Tracie) Rasmussen of Kearney, Nebraska; four stepchildren; Chuck Weaver, Dale Sayyeau, Dennis Hageman, and, Bryan Elafros; twenty-four grandchildren, seventeen great-grandchildren, and several great-great-grandchildren; one brother, Keith Rasmussen of Texas; also surviving are many extended family members, and friends. Gary was preceded in death by his parents; and one brother. Funeral Services will be held Friday, December 18, 2015, at 10:00 a.m. at Reynolds-Love Funeral Chapel in Lexington with Reverend Dyton Owen officiating. Burial with full military honors will be in the Fort McPherson National Cemetery at Maxwell, Nebraska. Visitation will be held Thursday, December 17, 2015, from 5-7 p.m. at the Reynolds-Love Chapel in Lexington. Memorials are suggested to the Family for later designation. Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences with the family by visiting: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com.