William "Bill" Harland Logsdon

William “Bill” Harland Logsdon, 91, passed away peacefully in the loving arms of his wife, Shirley, at the Western Nebraska Veteran’s Home on July 27th, 2021. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 31st, at the Cornerstone Fellowship Church in Bayard at 2pm.

On July 7, 1930, Bill was born to George and Leone (White) Logsdon in Lewiston, Nebraska. He graduated from Minatare High School and married Shirley Graham on June 24th, 1951. This union was blessed with four children: Steve Logsdon of Bayard, NE; Sherrie (John) Stuchlik of Kearney, NE; Debbie (Rod) Bowers of Sheridan, MO; and Kathy (David) Maxcy of Ogallala, NE. The couple lived in Bayard and the surrounding valley for the majority of their marriage.

Bill served honorably in the United States Army in Germany from 1951 until 1953. He farmed in Minatare and worked at the Beanery Elevator at Moomaws Corner in Bayard. He had a career as the manager of Simplot Soilbuilders for the majority of his working years, and was the caretaker of the Bayard City Cemetery after retirement. He was instrumental in the planning and creation of the Bayard Depot Museum, helping to build it from the ground up as he and Shirley volunteered their time and resources devotedly.

Known for his sense of humor, Bill always had jokes to share with friends and strangers alike. He loved woodworking, making crafts, and creating wooden toys for his grandchildren. A cowboy at heart, he loved horses and rodeos. He rode bareback and bulls as a young cowboy.

Survivors include wife, Shirley; his four children; eight grandchildren; and eleven great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; twin brother, Charles; three sisters, Thelma Little, Belva Miller, and Shirley Whitaker; brother-in-law, Larry Graham; and great grandson, Nathanial Maxcy.

Memorial contributions for the Bayard Depot Museum may be sent Care of Steve Logsdon, 1227 ½ Main Street, Bayard, NE 69334