Billy R. Rader

Billy R. Rader, 87, of Sumner passed away on Wednesday, May 11, 2022 at the Kearney Regional Medical Center in Kearney, Nebraska. Billy was born on August 26, 1934 in Farnam, Nebraska to George and Clara (Wickencamp) Rader. He was baptized and confirmed at Grace Lutheran Church in Sumner, Nebraska. His family moved to Overton, where he attended school and then moved to Sumner in 1947. Billy enlisted in the US Army on May 7, 1957, where he served his country in Germany and was honorably discharged on April 24, 1959. Billy was united in marriage with Connie J. Leibhart on August 2, 1959 at Grace Lutheran in Sumner. He worked the majority of his time at Central Alfalfa in between Overton and Lexington known as Joselyn until he retired in 2002. He was a long-time member of the Grace Lutheran Church, where he served in various offices and taught Sunday school. Billy loved doing craft work, making Christmas trees and flags out of pallets. He also enjoyed visiting people and going on road trips. Survivors include his wife, Connie of Sumner, Nebraska, one daughter, Nancy and her husband Terry Gullion of Lexington, Nebraska, one son, Bryce and wife Karla Rader of Cozad, Nebraska, three grandchildren, Stacy (Bryan) Baker of Waverly, Nebraska, Lindsey (Cory Mattley) Gullion of Lincoln, Nebraska and Josh Rader of Houston, Texas; great grandchildren, Carter, Callen, Miles, Mason, Rilynd, Avery, MiCayla; one sister, Irene Knappert of Arapahoe, Nebraska, sisters-in-law; Patsy Rader of Sumner, and Melba Rader of Fort Morgan, Colorado. Along with numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; five brothers, Harvey, Art, Ernest, Alfred and Raymond; his sister, Dorothy Esslinger; as well as a great granddaughter, Larissa Gullion. Visitation will be held Sunday, May 15, 2022 at 4-6 PM at Reynolds-Love funeral home. Funeral service will be Monday, May 16, 2022 at 10:30 AM at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lexington, Nebraska with Pastor Rob Kuefner, and Pastor Vic Rasmussen officiating. Interment with military honors will be in the Greenwood Cemetery in Lexington, Nebraska. Memorials are suggested to the Grace Lutheran Church in Sumner or the Sumner Rescue Unit. Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences with the family by visiting: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com.