David Lee Jefferson, 75, was born in Columbia, Missouri to Angeline and Stanley Jefferson on December 16, 1942 and died on July 24, 2018. He was an only child. He graduated from Douglass High School in May 1960. During his formative years, he became a member of Second Baptist Church (November 1949), where he was active in Sunday School and the Royal Ambassadors. While in high school, he played the trumpet in the band, was a member of the National Honor Society, and was a three-year letterman in both basketball and football. In April 1960, he became a member of the Order of the Knights of Pythagoras sponsored by Rising Son Lodge #164. He received a music scholarship to Langston University but returned home after one year.
In January 1960, he began his career as a Civil Engineering Aide with the USDA Soil Conservation Service in Columbia, MO. In March 1968, he transferred to the Regional Office of the SCS in Lincoln, NE. While employed there, he began and graduated from The University of Nebraska with a degree in civil engineering in December 1982. During his 37-year career, he received numerous awards and commendations for his work as an Area Engineer, Design Engineer and State Environmental Engineer.
In Prince Hall Masonry, he was raised as a member of Rising Son Lodge #164 and later demitted to Lebanon Lodge #3. As a Master Mason, he served as a Past Worthy Patron of Electa Chapter #14, a member of Joshua David Consistory #27, State Director of the Order of the Knights of Pythagoras, and was a Past Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Nebraska.
In February 1962, he began his journey as a lamp of The Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. at Langston University. He was initiated into the fraternity in Lincoln, NE on May 16, 1993.
While in Lincoln, David held numerous leadership positions at his churches, Newman United Methodist and New Hope United Methodist Church, and with the Blue River District of Great Plains United Methodist Conference. He was a member of the board of directors for several years for YMCA and Cedar’s Home for Children. He also played trumpet with the Lincoln Community Concert Band.
On August 24, 1963, he married Sherry Jefferson (who preceded him in death). They are survived by two children: Carla Clayborne (Melvin) of Black River, New York and David Jefferson (Catherine Pattillo) of Bethesda, MD. He was loved dearly by his grandchildren: Antonio Clayborne (28), Jasmine Clayborne (14), Camille Jefferson (18) and David M. Jefferson (14).
In addition to his children and grandchildren, he is survived by his sister-in-law, Eunice Crum, brother-in-law A. Wayne Bush (Mary), cousins, nieces, nephews and friends who will miss his caring spirit, tremendous sense of humor, and devotion to his family, Masonic family, church family and friends.
Visitation will be held on Friday, July 27, 2018 from 5 to 9 pm at Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home, 6800 South 14th Street Lincoln, NE.
Service will be on Saturday, July 28, 2018 at 12:30 also at Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home, Lincoln, NE
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