Charles Lavely

Charles (Chuck) Lavely, age 71, of Obert, Nebraska, passed away peacefully of natural causes at 8:56 a.m. at his home surrounded by his loving family.  Mohr Funeral Home in Ponca has assisted the family with arrangments.

He was born at home in Mercer, Missouri on September 6, 1948.  He was the youngest, and only son of Lillie Eleanor (Leytham) and Alva Rolland Lavely.

He grew up on the farm in Mercer, Missouri.  He attended high school in Mercer as well.

Chuck married Cheryl Janice Brown on March 15, 1967.  They were married for 28 years.

Chuck married Deborah Caddell on June 29, 1996.

Chuck held many different employment positions over the years.  He started out in construction.  He owned several businesses over the years including a tree service business, a logging company, a commercial fishing business and a railroad contracting business.  His last job was working for the railroad.

During his lifetime, Chuck enjoyed several different hobbies and activities.  His favorite pastime was fishing.  He traveled coast-to-coast for work, fishing all along the way.  He spent time in 48 states, only missing two states on the eastern seaboard.  His fishing travel highlights were Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico, and Canada.

Other interests included working in his shop, watching westerns—his favorites included those starring John Wayne and Clint Eastwood, ocean cruises (two of which included parasailing which he surprisingly, greatly enjoyed), making new friends everywhere he went; he never knew a stranger, listening to country music and attending country music concerts.  Chuck was known as “the storyteller” to family and friends; he could talk to anybody.

He is survived by his spouse Debbie, son Gary (and Cindy) Porter, daughter Cheri (and Ron) Lavely-DeGroot, son Bill (and Shelly) Lavely, and stepson, Scott (Robin) Caddell.  His surviving grandchildren are Jacob, Travis, Destiny, Logan, Anna, Chris, Joshua, Ashley, Heather, Brandon, BilliJo, Chase, Renae, Kristin, Jason, Brady, Drew, Travis, Trevor and Amelia, and great-grandchildren Kacyn, Graycen, Nala, Nyla, Hazel, Raelynn.

Chuck was predeceased by Cheryl (Brown) Lavely, (infant son) Scott, Ramona Bagley (sister), and Pauline Mendenhall (sister).

The family wishes to thank Asera Care Hospice for their superior services, Sanford Hospital staff in Vermillion, South Dakota, and Dr. Yelverton for his compassionate and continued care.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Sunday, September 6, 2020, at the Obert Community Hall at 11:00 a.m.

Fisherman's Prayer:

God grant that I may live to fish

For another shining day.

But when my final cast is made

I then most humbly pray,

When nestled in your landing net

As I lay peacefully asleep,

You'll smile at me and judge

That I'm "good enough to keep."