Richard Don Schell

Richard Don Schell, 93, of Roca, NE., went to heaven on October 13th, 2022. Passed away at home with family by his side. Born December 19, 1928, the first child of Harry L. and Anna (Oltjenbruns) Schell. He was born in the farm-house, also grew up in this farm-house near Roca, NE. Graduated from Central High School (Sprague/Martell) in 1947. There was seven in his class. He was good in sports. Was a good runner. Worked on the family farm.

After graduation Richard enlisted into the Marines in 1952. Was in the Korean Conflict from May 5th, 1952-May 5th, 1953. He was in the 11th Marine Artillery/Command post. Became a Sargent, while he was over in Korea. Received the medal of the Korean Service-3 stars, United Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and the Korean Presidential Unit Citation Medal. His job in Korea was communications, in charge of getting supplies for four units. His fondest memory of Korea was when the children of Korea knew when the supplies came in that there was candy. Gave candy to the children. Honorably discharged in 1954. While in the Marines, Richard was good at shooting. Called him “Dead Eye Dick”.

Richard boxed for the Golden Gloves for two years. He boxed against Richard Flynn, Sr.

National Guard for 4 years. American-Legion of Hallam Post 294, received his 50-year pin in 2021. Was on the Honor Guard, walked in parades and did funerals. Liked the yearly fundraiser (put up posters and sold raffle tickets).

In 1970, Richard was awarded his five children. Raised his five children in the country by Roca, where he still lived.

Richard farmed and worked at Goochs Mill. When he retired from farming, he then worked at Midland packaging Co., he was a pressman. Worked part time as a security courier at Security First Bank.

During his lifetime Richard has been active in several community organizations.

He is the trustee for Joe Loesing Memorial camp-ground, a recreation area.

Managed the Sprague-Martell Community Center for many years. Been a grange member for nearly 50 years and was Master of Salt Valley Grange #413 for many years and was in the Raymond Grange. Was on the board of the Denton Historical Society.

Richard sponsored volleyball teams and little league baseball (The Heat).

Richard coached his girls softball teams (Conklin). The he became a sanctioned umpire for 12 and under girls’ softball games, traveled to many towns to umpire games. Coached men’s slow pitch softball, they won many trophies. Liked going to his grand-children’s football and baseball games. Also like the Husker Volleyball and Football games. He was also an avid bowler. He played Bridge on Friday nights at the Sprague church. He was a member of the Sprague Church for many years. He would play the card game Hucklebuck on Thanksgiving with Cindy’s family. Richard had a good sense of humor. Beautiful singing voice. Favorite hymn was How Great Thou Art. Sang at many funerals, in the church choir and sang at State Grange sixth degree initiation ceremonies. He loved being around family and friends. Would do anything for anybody. Richards’s favorite color was red, and he always wore his Husker Shirts, “Go Huskers”.

Richard has many awards and trophies, (bowling, volleyball, men’s and women’s slow pitch teams).

In 2014 at the war Memorial in Lincoln, had his name put on a memorial brick that is the area of the Korean Conflict. Richard received the Quilt of Valor in 2015 for being in the Korean Conflict. In 2022, Governor Ricketts gave all the Korean veterans the Ambassador of Peace Medal in 2022.

Richard is survived by his daughters, Cindy (Clyde) Draeger-Dunbar, Carmen (Richard) Flynn-Firth, Caroline (Brian) Piper-Roca, sons, Clinton (Pam) Schell- Lincoln, and Curtis Schell-Lincoln. Ten grand-children and eighteen great-children and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by parents, Harry & Anna, sisters Harriett, LaVonne and Carol, brothers Dwight & Lawrence, niece-Lisa Wilhelm, nephews – Jay Wilhelm, Randy May and Brian Schell, grandsons – Kyle & Ryan Schell.