Robert "Bob" Stevens, 89 of Eustis, Nebraska, died on Sunday, November 9, 2008, at the Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney, Nebraska.

He was born April 4, 1919, at Eustis to Fred and Della (Pickering) Stevens. He graduated from Eustis High School in 1936, and was a life-long resident of the Eustis-Farnam community. He served in the U. S. Army during World War II, where his time overseas was spent in the Philippines. On June 13, 1944, he married Donna Bell McNeal of Gothenburg, Nebraska. They made their home five miles west of Eustis where Bob was raised and has resided his entire life.

Bob's job for some 40 years was with CNPPID (Tri-County) based out of Gothenburg.

He was a member of the Eustis United Methodist/Evangelical United Brethren Church for over 50 years where he was involved in many areas of the church. Bob was a Certified Lay Minister and was honored in 1982 as "Lay Minister of the Year". He substituted in approximately 70 pulpits throughout the state of Nebraska.

He was active in numerous community organizations and events and served on the Eustis School Board for over 20 years. He was a member of the Odd Fellows and served as the State Chaplain for this organization. He was also a member of the Eustis American Legion Post #257 and Rotary Club. He was chosen Burgermeister at the Eustis Wurst Tag Days in 2001. He was the Veteran Service Officer for Frontier County.

He loved watching his children and grandchildren participate in all sports and music, school events, 4-H, and church activities highlighted his life. He also enjoyed raising cattle, and in his earlier years, umpiring baseball and softball games. He was an avid fan of the New York Yankees and the Nebraska Cornhuskers.

Survivors include three sons, Fred (Marlys) Stevens of Henderson, Nevada, Robin (Lynnette) Stevens of Schuyler and Mac "Neal" Stevens of Eustis; a daughter, Mar-lynn Knigge of Kimball; a daughter-in-law, Donna Stevens of Kearney; 11 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren, life-long school mate Wilbur Gall, as well as numerous other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by wife, Donna Belle (McNeal) Stevens; his son, Kim Robert Stevens and a granddaughter, Elizabeth Daphna Stevens.

A memorial has been established in his memory. Condolences may be shared at berrymanfuneralhome.com.

Services were held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, November 12, 2008, at the United Methodist Church in Eustis with the Rev. Tess Hufford and the Rev. Irwin Edwards officiating. Burial was in the Westview Cemetery at Eustis with military honors.

Berryman Funeral Home of Cozad is in charge of arrangements.