Final Salute

Earl D. Svoboda Obituary

McCOOK, Neb. — Earl D. Svoboda passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, at Hillcrest Nursing Home on Monday, Dec. 16, 2019. He was 86 years old.

Earl was born on Jan. 24, 1933, at home on the farm near Cuba, Kan., to parents, Joseph and Tracy (Havel) Svoboda. He graduated from Agenda Rural High School with the Class of 1951. Earl served his country in the U.S. Navy as a Seabee from 1952 until he was honorably discharged in 1956. He was stationed in San Diego and served in the Marshall Islands and Okinawa, Japan. Earl was a quiet, humble man but he was always so proud to talk about his Navy days.

On April 26, 1958, Earl was united in marriage to Letha Mae Stephens in Haddam, Kan. To this union, four children were born: Darrell, Andrea, Angela and Anissa.

Earl began his career as an auto mechanic, then joined L. J. Messer Co. in Belleville, Kan., in 1959. Two years later, he was promoted to manager and this included his first store in Seward, Neb., later making several moves to Beliot and Norton, Kan., and finally settling in McCook where he spent the remainder of his life. Earl faithfully served in the parts industry for 36 years, retiring in 1997. A busy man not content to sit around, he promptly went to work with his daughter and son-in-law at Fairacres Greenery and blessed them with 15 years of hard work, friendship, and an amazing work ethic. Earl truly retired at the age of 8o.

Earl’s hobbies included woodworking, photography, hunting, fishing, gardening, and carpentry work. He spent many hours helping his family with various remodeling projects. There wasn’t anything he couldn’t fix or build.

Earl was a charter member of the McCook Evangelical Free Church where he faithfully served for many years.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Joe and Tracy Svoboda; brothers, LaVern and Melvin; sister-in-law, Marvel Svoboda; brother-in-law, John Shorney; daughter, Andrea Sawyer; and granddaughter, Lindsey Svoboda.

Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Letha; son, Darrell (Brenda) Svoboda; daughters, Angela (Dave) McCarty and Anissa (Kurke) Curl; son-in-law, Rod Sawyer, all of McCook; grandchildren, Tyler (Carrie) McCarty, Dani (Ben) Hancock, Jenni (Evan) Maynard, Jordan (Sarah) Svoboda, Chelsea Svoboda, Zac (Trista) Curl, Nic (fiancee’, River) Curl, Shelby Sawyer, Chantel Sawyer, Jason Sawyer, and Jessie (Bo) Bowman. He is also survived by 12 great-grandchildren: Truman, Brighton, Sully, Lily, Kinsey, Quinn, Cruz, Eva, Emery, Isla, Jaxx, and Addy; sister, Gladys Shorney of Tecumseh, Okla.; nieces, nephews, and a host of friends.

Earl was a humble, kind, quiet man who loved his family deeply, cared for them selflessly, and left a lasting legacy of faith.

Memorials may be given in his name.

Visitation is Sunday, Dec. 22, 2019, 2 to 6 p.m. with family present from 4 to 6 p.m., at Herrmann Jones Funeral Chapel in McCook.

Funeral services will be Monday, Dec. 23, 2019, 11 a.m., at Evangelical Free Church, McCook, with Pastor Jeff Donelan officiating. Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery with Military Honors.