Richard Corman

Richard Lynn Corman was born Oct. 18, 1948, in Davenport, Nebraska to Vernon and Betty (Anderson) Corman, the first of four children. He died Friday, July 12, 2024, at Mary Lanning Hospital in Hastings, Nebraska, at the age of 75. He battled Parkinson's disease for at least 10 years.

As a youth, Richard enjoyed working with horses and cattle on the family farm and participating in 4-H activities. He was confirmed at Christ's Lutheran Church in Davenport and participated in Luther League youth group activities. Sports were an important part of his high school experience. In 1966, he graduated from Davenport High School and headed to the University of Nebraska, earning a bachelor of science degree in animal science in 1970. While at UNL, he served as president of Ag Men Coop and was active in other campus organizations. On Dec. 1, 1969, when the draft lottery was announced, his birth date was drawn number 5 and first for Nuckolls county draft. He reported for Army training and was well into the process when he was recruited by a professor at UNL for graduate school. He took advantage of that opportunity by joining the Army National Guard Unit of York, Nebraska, where he served from 1970 to 76. He presented the results of his master's research in swine reproductive physiology in Chicago at a national meeting in November of 1972.

August 19, 1972, he married Mary Alice Coyle in McCook, Nebraska. The couple lived near Edgar, Nebraska where Richard farmed with his father and brother. In addition to field crops, they raised hogs and cattle. True to his animal science education, he studied genetics for Simmental cattle and closely tracked EPDs (Expected Progency Differences) for each animal. He developed his herd's genetics to market seed stock cattle, selling bulls and heifers with proven genetics for herd building for 48 years. Richard enjoyed showing cattle in the Nebraska and Kansas state fairs, the American Royal and the Cattleman's Classic. He was known for his docile animals and ability to break yearling bulls to tie and lead in preparation for Bulls on Main Street and Husker Harvest Days.

Richard and Mary Alice had three children, Angela, Crystal and Kelly. As a father, he instilled in his children a strong work ethic, respect for education and love for animals and nature. He especially enjoyed supporting their sports activities, tutoring in math and working with animals, including 4-H. Richard found great joy watching grandchildren Max, Tate, Emelyn, Tessa, Leon and Quinn grow and learn.

Richard was a man of integrity and deep Christian faith. He was respected by neighbors and peers, and he also mentored young farmers and ranchers. After graduate school, he was recruited to lead a 4-H livestock club and supported the 4-H program in Thayer County. Richard served as president of the Davenport Lions Club, the Nuckolls County Cattlemen Association, the Nuckolls County 4-H Council, the area and District 3 Nebraska Farmers Union and the Christ's Lutheran Church Council, to name a few. He taught youth Sunday School classes and regularly attended the men's prayer group at church.

Richard was preceded in death by his brother, Vernon Corman Jr .; his father, Vernon Corman; mother-in-law, Alice (Jewell) Coyle; father-in-law, John Francis Coyle; sister-in-law, Patty (Coyle) Harris; and brother-in-law, John Coyle Jr.

He is survived by mother, Betty Corman of Edgar; wife, Mary Alice Corman; daughter Angela and son-in-law Michael Millington, grandsons Max and Tate Millington of Tulsa, Oklahoma; daughter, Crystal and son-in-law, Thomas Kuo, granddaughters, Emelyn and Tessa Kuo and grandson Leon Kuo of Leesburg, Virginia; son, Kelly and daughter-in-law, Jennifer (Yantachka) Corman, grandson Quinn Corman of Bassett, Nebraska; sister, Nancy (Corman) and brother-in-law, Bill Vossler of Friend, Nebraska; sister, Pam (Corman) and brother-in-law, Brad Shuck of Edgar; sister-in-law, Marla (Prior) Corman of Omaha, Nebraska; sister-in-law, Donna (Coyle) and brother-in-law, Bill Liess of Greeley, Colorado; plus numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and other extended family members.

His funeral was held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 20, 2024, at Christ's Lutheran Church in Davenport, with Pastor Beth Roegner officiating. Organist Deb Pohlmann, accompanied the congregation as they sang, "Blessed Assurance," "Softly and Tenderly Jesus Is Calling" and "Let Us Ever Walk With Jesus." Casket bearers were Darrel Buschkoetter, Phil Johnson, Tim Uden, John Greer, Randy Pearson and Scott Biltoft. Honorary bearers were Max Millington, Tate Millington, Claude Hoatson, Gerald Hopp, Phil Corman and Ken Burns. Burial was at the Davenport City Cemetery. A visitation was held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, July 19, at Price Funeral Home in Hebron.

Urbauer-Price Funeral Home of Davenport, assisted the family with arrangements. http://www.priceurbauer ahrendts.com.