Milton E Hegwood

Milton E. Hegwood was born January 30, 1928 and died February 1, 2023. He was born to Martin and Ethel Hegwood in Crawford, Nebraska. He was the third child of six, the older two had passed before his birth. Milt was drafted for World War II, but the war ended before he served and he was placed in the reserves. He was called back for the Korean Conflict in 1951. He served at Fitzsimmons Army Hospital in Denver, CO as a nurse in the mental ward, serving soldiers returning from active duty in Korea. He spent his personal time writing letters to families of soldiers who were unable to communicate, letting their families know their condition and the reason they were not responding to family letters. On September 2, 1951 he married the love of his life, Florence Harrison. He loved to tell of his pursuit of her affections and how happy he was to finally become her husband. His oldest son, James, was born in Fitzsimmons Hospital. After his discharge, they moved to Wauneta, NE. Their family grew with the births of Jeanette and Jerry. He drove a propane tank wagon for the Coop. In 1956 they moved to Culbertson, and he continued delivering propane. He started Hegwood Construction and ran concrete, built houses, and offered repair services. Later, he had a redimix company serving Southwest Nebraska. After retirement he started Milts Carpentry Shop. He was the "go to" guy around town for widows and the elderly who needed help with repairs. He was a substitute rural mail carrier. He saw a need for a safe place to walk for Culbertson residents, so he and Boyd Miller created the Walking Trail south of the river. Many residents got involved and helped with the project. Milt was preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 71 years, Florence, passing on September 21, 2022; his son, Jim; his brother, Vernon (Helen), sister, Grace (James) Fulton; brother-in-law, Irvin Wilson; sisters-in-law, Leona (Vernon) Hunt, Lois (Raymond) Bley, Beulah (Keith) Harris. Those left to cherish his memory are daughter, Jeanette Peters and his son, Jerry (Janet) Hegwood; sister, Laurel Wilson; brother, John (Marsha) Hegwood; grandchildren, Christine (Adam) Wietzki, Rita Pracht, Ryan (Kim) Peters, James (Alicia) Hegwood, Randon (Laurie) Peters, Kent (Terilyn) Hegwood , Eric Hegwood, Amber (Mike) Olderbak, and William (Virginia) Hegwood; great grandchildren, Sonny and Shauna Wietzki, Faith and Jacob Pracht, Cole and Carley Peters, Taylar, Josiah (Tori), Isaac (Skyla), Josh, Kaedi, Brielle, Zeek, Ely, and Jasek Hegwood, Ryland and Lanie Peters, Reid, Ashlyn, and Noah Hegwood, Eleanore, Alivia, Annabell, and Wyatt Olderbak; great-great grandchildren, Penny Pracht and Theo Hegwood, along with many nieces, nephews, and extended family. If you remember nothing else about Milton, always remember that he loved his family! Funeral Services for Milton will be held at the New Life Fellowship Church in Culbertson, NE., on Monday February 6, 2023 at 10:00 AM with Lloyd Bley officiating. Interment will be in the Culbertson Cemetery with Military Honors. Memorials may be left in Milton's name at Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel. Friends may leave online condolences at herrmannfh.com. Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel is entrusted with arrangements. Visitation Sunday, February 5, 2023 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel 607 Norris Avenue McCook, Nebraska 69001 Family will be present to greet friends. Funeral Service Monday, February 6, 2023 10:00 AM - 10:45 AM New Life Fellowship Church 709 Perry St Culbertson, NE 69024