Robert E. Kyes

Robert E. Kyes, 80, of Central City died Sunday, December 12, 2010 at the Grand Island Veterans Home. Memorial services will be Saturday, December 18, 2010 at 1:00 p.m. at the United Methodist Church in Central City with Pastor Paul Blanchard officiating. Burial will be at a later date. There will be no visitation. Robert requested his body be donated to science.

Robert was born on October 6, 1930 in Grand Island, Nebraska to Dean C. and Erma M. (Gleason) Kyes. He was the oldest of 7 children. The family lived in the Archer area as kids and then moved to the Fairview area where their parents purchased a farm where Bob’s brother Marv continues to live today. Bob attended the Fairview United Methodist Church with his family until 1957 when he joined the Central City United Methodist Church. He attended District 23 Country School until attending Central City High School graduating in 1948. He then attended Nebraska Central College for 2 years. When it closed, he enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1950. He was a radio operator in a C-47 at Elmendorf, Alaska attached with the 5039th Air Transport Group. The C-47 crash landed on the frozen Tanana River 80 miles west of Fairbanks, Alaska on January 28, 1954. The group was on a routine flight from Ladd Air Force Base to Nome, AK. The 7 Airmen all escaped injury. Both engines were on fire and the pilot brought the plane in for a “wheel up” landing. A/ 1st Class Robert E. Kyes radio operator was among the crew. Robert was honorably discharged on December 6, 1954.

Robert was united in marriage to Deloris Brondel on July 14, 1957 in Central City, NE at the United Methodist Church. He worked for the City Electrician for awhile until the President of Farmer’s National Bank, “Cecil Tooley”, hired Bob to work there. He went into his own Insurance and Bookkeeping business in July of 1970. He retired from the Insurance Agency in 1993, but continued bookkeeping and income tax work.

In 1965, Robert and Deloris were initiated and became members of the Arbor Chapter #200 Order of Eastern Star, the same evening as his parents. He served as Worthy Patron for several years. Bob was instrumental in the building of the new Masonic Temple in 1957. It was completed and dedicated by the Grand Lodge of Nebraska in 1958. He was commissioned as an assistant custodian of the Grand Lodge of Nebraska. He was invited to many Masonic funerals for Brother Masons around the area, and had the funeral oration committed to memory.

Robert was a member of the Lone Tree Masonic Lodge #36, serving as Master two different times. He also served as Treasurer/Secretary for several years. He was a member of the American Legion Lone Tree Post #6 serving as Treasurer for several years. He served as Treasurer for the United Methodist Church and other organizations. He was an avid golfer and loved attending High School sports, especially football, wrestling, and girl’s volleyball. He helped with the American Legion Baseball Program and was a huge fan.
Survivors include his wife, Deloris Kyes of Central City, NE, two sons and a daughter-in-law, Michael (Mike) Kyes of Modesto, CA; and Gary and Beth Kyes of Omaha, NE; a daughter, Karla Ermel of Omaha, NE, six grandchildren, Daniel and Rebecca Kyes, Dean and Brian Ermel, and Tyler John and Jordan Kyes, and several nephews, nieces and cousins.

Memorials are suggested to the Central City United Methodist Church, Lone Tree Lodge #36, or the Central City Volunteer Fire Department. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.wagnerfuneral.com.


 

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