William Lewis McCandless

  William L. McCandless, 98, of Lexington, Nebraska, passed away Saturday, April 7, 2018, at Brookdale Senior Living in Lexington with his family by his side.   Bill was born December 15, 1919, in Burlington, Iowa, to John Thomas and Gretchen Elizabeth (Milliman) McCandless. He attended primary school in Clearfield, Iowa and Bedford, Iowa. Following his schooling he farmed in Iowa. He worked for the Civilian Conservation Corps from 1937-1939. He then learned his diesel mechanic skills from a correspondence course.   He was united in marriage to Lucille Snyder on October 7, 1939, in Hiawatha, Kansas. Five children were blessed to this marriage, Arlene, Carol, Judy, Don & Sharon. The couple moved to Lexington in 1952.   Bill worked as a mechanic for Valley Implement, Wink Implement in Elm Creek, sold welders, baled hay, did custom farming, trucking, and farmed until he was 89 years old.   Bill was never one to walk away from hard work. His start in life was a tough one, but as he said, “taught him how to work hard and he never walked away from that”. He was a kind man with a heart of gold. He always fought for the underdog, never took any guff from anyone, and loved those who were sometimes unlovable. His belief in doing good ran deep. He had a mouth like a sailor, but a soft touch and always a twinkle in his eye.   He was a member of the United Methodist Church, and the Eagles Club, where he served as a Trustee for several years.   Survivors include his children; Arlene Reed of Lexington, Nebraska, Carol Stock of Lexington, Nebraska, Judy (Morrie) Andres of Cozad, Nebraska, Don (Linda) McCandless of Lexington, Nebraska, and Sharon (Michael) Gerken of Wichita, Kansas; thirteen grandchildren, twenty-two great-grandchildren, and twelve great-great-grandchildren with three on the way; two brothers-in-law, Leo Snyder of Arizona, and Edward Snyder of Washington; two sisters-in-law, Fern Mingus of Lincoln, Nebraska, and Betty Cook of Council Bluffs, Iowa; also surviving are nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and many friends.   Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Lucille; sister, Jean Kitzman Blumer; and sons-in-law, Larry Reed and Calvin Stock.   Funeral Services will be Thursday, April 12, 2018, at 10:30 a.m. at Reynolds-Love Funeral Chapel with Pastor John Shields officiating. Burial will be in the Robb Cemetery south of Lexington.   Visitation will be held Wednesday, April 11, 2018, from 5-7 p.m. at the Reynolds-Love Chapel in Lexington.   In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Central Ne. Human Trafficking Outreach, the Dawson Co. Parent/Child Center or Donor’s Choice. 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.