Earl Dean Svoboda

Earl D. Svoboda passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family at Hillcrest Nursing Home on Monday, December 16, 2019. He was 86 years old. Earl was born on January 24, 1933 at home on the farm near Cuba, Kansas to parents Joseph and Tracy (Havel) Svoboda. He graduated from Agenda Rural High School with the class of 1951. Earl served his country in the U.S. Navy as a Seabee from 1952 until he was honorably discharged in 1956. He was stationed in San Diego and served in the Marshall Islands and Okinawa, Japan. Earl was a quiet, humble man but he was always so proud to talk about his Navy days. On April 26, 1958 Earl was united in marriage to Letha Mae Stephens in Haddam, Kansas. To this union, four children were born: Darrell, Andrea, Angela, and Anissa. Earl began his career as an auto mechanic then joined L. J. Messer Co. in Belleville, Kansas in 1959. Two years later he was promoted to manager and this included his first store in Seward, Nebraska, later making several moves to Beliot and Norton, Kansas and finally settling in McCook where he spent the remainder of his life. Earl faithfully served in the Parts Industry for 36 years, retiring in 1997. A busy man not content to sit around, he promptly went to work with his daughter and son-in-law at Fairacres Greenery and blessed them with 15 years of hard work, friendship, and an amazing work ethic. Earl truly retired at the age of 8o. Earls hobbies included woodworking, photography, hunting, fishing, gardening, and carpentry work. He spent many hours helping his family with various remodeling projects. There wasnt anything he couldnt fix or build. Earl was a charter member of the McCook Evangelical Free Church where he faithfully served for many years. Preceding him in death were his parents, Joe and Tracy Svoboda, brothers LaVern and Melvin, sister-in-law Marvel Svoboda, brother-in-law John Shorney, daughter Andrea Sawyer, and granddaughter Lindsey Svoboda. Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Letha, son Darrell (Brenda) Svoboda, daughters Angela (Dave) McCarty and Anissa (Kurke) Curl, son-in-law Rod Sawyer, all of McCook, grandchildren Tyler(Carrie) McCarty, Dani (Ben) Hancock, Jenni (Evan) Maynard, Jordan (Sarah) Svoboda, Chelsea Svoboda, Zac (Trista) Curl, Nic (fiancee River)Curl, Shelby Sawyer, Chantel Sawyer, Jason Sawyer, and Jessie (Bo) Bowman. He is also survived by 12 great-grandchildren: Truman, Brighton, Sully, Lily, Kinsey, Quinn, Cruz, Eva, Emery, Isla, Jaxx, and Addy; sister Gladys Shorney of Tecumseh, OK; nieces, nephews, and a host of friends. Earl was a humble, kind, quiet man who loved his family deeply, cared for them selflessly, and left a lasting legacy of faith. Memorials may be given in his name. Visitation will be Sunday December 22, 2019, 2:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m. at Herrmann Jones Funeral Chapel in McCook. Family will be present to greet friends. Funeral Service will be Monday, December 23, 2019, 11:00 a.m. at Evangelical Free Church, McCook, with Pastor Jeff Donelan officiating. Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery with Military Honors. Herrmann Jones Funeral Chapel of McCook entrusted with arrangements. Visitation Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel Sunday, December 22, 2019 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM 607 Norris Avenue McCook, Nebraska 69001 Family will be present to greet friends from 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Funeral Service Evangelical Free Church Monday, December 23, 2019 11:00 AM 602 E 14th St McCook, Nebraska 68001 Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery with Military Honors.