Gary "Kumbo" Edward Kumm

Gary “Kumbo” Edward Kumm, 60, of Callaway, Nebraska peacefully passed away surrounded by family Thursday, November 17th at his home in Callaway NE after a long, tough battle with cancer.

Kumbo was born September 4, 1962 in Plainview, NE to Norma Lee Croxen. He attended and graduated high school in Creighton NE before joining the Army in 1981. Kumbo served his country from 1981-1984 and talked often about the time he spent in Germany. Kumbo was a member of the American Legion Post 59.

As a teenager Kumbo went to work for Pahl Construction and was a natural at running any piece of equipment he climbed into. It was in the Army that Kumbo honed his operating skills in heavy equipment, dozers being his favorite.. Kumbo could tell you anything you wanted to know about dozers and was extremely enthusiastic when doing so. Kumbo worked for 4 construction companies in his career including Paulson Inc. and Charlie Lloyd Construction. He loved his work and had great respect for his bosses Larry Paulsen and Charlie Lloyd.

Kumbo was an easy going, kind, compassionate soul. He believed very much in live, and let live and was never quick to judge anyone. He came from a very large family with 10 brothers and sisters. Kumbo had many childhood stories from chasing the hogs that escaped, to collecting the eggs, and warding off chicken predators. He spoke often on the phone with his mom and siblings and always looked forward to their visits. Deer season was a special time of the year when brothers Tim and Michael would join him on the hunt, and often his good friend Vogtsie and nephews would make the trip too.

He was an avid football fan, making sure to have a weekly Husker pool for anyone that wanted to join in, and if he didn’t get the pool filled his canine best friend Spencer would always take the remaining squares. He was a solid Raiders football fan and looked forward to the weekends when friends and family would stop over to watch the games with him. Grandson John Brouillette and close friend Shane Newton were frequent visitors. John wanted to share, “To the Moon Kumbo, To the Moon.”

Kumbo loved holding his grandkids, and later on the greats. He got a kick out of them climbing up on his lap and pulling on his long beard. Kumbo looked forward to their visits and never hesitated to break out the Hi Ho Cherry O game.

Kumbo was preceded in death by his dad Eldon “Eldie” Croxen, his lifelong friend Dave “Vogtsie” Vogt and grandson Austin Jon Hiatt. He is survived by his life partner Janice Loghry, his mom Norma Lee Croxen, siblings Kathy (David) Duesing, James (Selee) Kumm, Kelly (Layne) Pahl, Timothy (Lori) Kumm, Kay (Mike Brown) Croxen, Michael Croxen, Kim (Roger) Lemke, Krista (J.D.) Mach, Karol (William) Grimes, Lee (Kendra) Croxen. Stepkids Mitzi (Ron) Graham, Dawn (Tim Hogg) Hiatt, Connie Ekeler, Tom (Angela) Hiatt and Tim Hiatt. Grandkids Sandy, Chelsey, Bud, Leann, John, Matt, Nicole, Zack, Haley, Sidney, Riley, Noah, and numerous great grandkids, nieces, nephews and friends who he loved dearly.

There will be no visitation, as the family is honoring Kumbo’s wish for cremation. A Memorial Service will be announced at a later date.

A memorial has been established in Kumbo’s honor, and kindly suggested to the family for later designation.

Timm-Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Callaway is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements.  Please share online condolences with the family by visiting: reynoldslovefunerahome.com