Donald Earl McCord

Donald grew up in Hallam/Hickman area and attended Hickman High School. He graduated in 1961 with many sports honors. He graduated from Peru State College with a degree in Education and received his Master's Degree in Education from the University Nebraska in Lincoln. Don went on to teach and coach in Fairmont, NE, Arapahoe, NE and Norris High School. In 1981, he left teaching and pursued a career in crop and hail insurance. This profession led him to Sioux Falls, SD, and eventually back to finish his career in Omaha, NE. He retired from The Hartford Insurance Group and settled in Lincoln, NE, to be near his family and friends, especially his grandchildren.

Don met Rosalee in high school and they married in 1964. They had three daughters and enjoyed traveling, camping, playing cards, and attending all their daughters’ sporting events. They celebrated 35 years in love before Rosalee's passing in 1999. He was a devoted parent to his three adult daughters, showing up when they needed him, fixing things, listening, and helping shuttle kids to games and practices. He remained a devoted husband and father until his death.

Don's passion in life was being a grandpa and papa. Whether to his own, his friends’ grandchildren or any of his grandchildren’s teammates; he was their biggest supporter and made sure not to miss any games or important events. It's hard putting into words how many people he touched. Don enjoyed playing golf and attended Bennet Community Church where he shared his magnificent smile and legendary hugs with everyone. He was always happy and found profound joy in making others smile. Humorous, gentle and caring are just a few words to describe him. An avid Husker fan, he didn't miss a game until recent years.

Above all, Don was a fighter. After suffering a massive stroke in July of 2021, with almost no hope of surviving more than a few days, he never gave up and overcame. He fought with a passion to stay with his family and friends just a little longer. That fight gave him another 15 months.

He is preceded by his beloved wife, Rosalee McCord, daughter Dana McCord, parents: Glen and Mildred McCord; brother Dean McCord; sister Marlene McCord; in-laws: Doyle and Anna Jane Crawford; brother-in-laws: Larry Horstman and sister-in-law Eileen McCord.

He is survived by his children: Ronda (Craig) Buchanan, Linde Walter; grandchildren: Grant Buchanan, Brock Buchanan, Rylie Walter, Colton Walter, Kaden Walter; sister Arla Dorn; in-laws: Arnie and Sharon Wells, Jim and Sue Crawford, Patti Horstman and numerous nieces, nephews and close family friends.

A celebration of life for Donald will be held Tuesday, November 1, 2022, at 10:00 AM, at Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home, 6800 South 14th Street, Lincoln, Nebraska 68512. Family will be receiving guests starting at 9:00 AM.