GIBBON - John A. Frew, 93, of Gibbon, formerly of Eustis, died Nov. 28, 2008, at the Mother Hull Nursing Home in Kearney.

He was born March 2, 1915 at Eustis to John R. and Katie Helmkamp Frew. During his school years he worked on a farm and helped his father operate the family owned creamery and Eustis Pool Hall and Bar. He graduated from Eustis High School in 1933.

In 1941, John entered the U.S. Army where he served in the 73rd Engineer Company. He served in Alaska and Canada working to build bridges where the Alcan Highway now expands. While on leave from the war, John married Bessie M. Hoppes of Farnam on Aug. 2, 1943 at the Methodist parsonage in Eustis. Shortly after their nuptials John was called back into the service; this time serving in Germany, England and other regions in Europe. He was the recipient of the American Defense, Asiatic Campaign and European Theater of Operation Service Ribbons, as well as one Bronze Service Star. Following his honorable discharge in 1945, he returned home where he and his wife owned and operated the Eustis Pool Hall and Bar for over 30 years retiring in 1976. John also served as the rural substitute mail carrier in the Eustis area for 25 years. The couple lived in Eustis until 1989, when they moved to Gibbon to be closer to family.

He was a member of the United Methodist Churches in both Eustis and Gibbon. He was a member of the Hablitzel-Zwink American Legion Post No. 257. John and Bessie had been honored as the King and Queen of Wurst Tag in Eustis.

He enjoyed reading and loved sports. He was an avid baseball fan and loved the New York Yankees. He enjoyed time spent with family, especially his grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife Bessie in April of 2008; an infant son, Duane Lee; two brothers, Harold and Robert; two sisters, Violet and Irene.

Survivors include his two sons, Doug (Mary) Frew of Kearney, Jim (Cyndee) Frew of Niwot, Colo.; grandchildren, Robbie and Travis Frew both of Gibbon, Kelly (Clayton) McDonald of Norfolk, Justin Lujan of Longmont, Colo., Venus (Ryan) King of Grand Island, Tessie (Bryce) Zeller of Arcadia; nine great-grandchildren, Mason, Taylor, Perrin, Garret, Jenna, Nora, Landon, Payton, and Addyson.

Memorials are suggested to the Eustis or Gibbon Volunteer Fire Department in his memory. Condolences may be shared at berrymanfuneralhome.com.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2008, at the United Methodist Church in Eustis with Rev. Tess Hufford officiating. Burial with military honors will be in the Westview Cemetery at Eustis.

Visitation will be one hour prior to service time on Wednesday at the church. Berryman Funeral Home in Cozad is in charge of arrangements.