Elwood, Nebraska

Donald Ray Frost, age 81, of Elwood, Nebraska died on August 18, 2011 at Elwood Care Center, in Elwood, Nebraska. He was born on January 14, 1930 west of Overton, Nebraska to Harry Leonard & Vera Alice (Davidson) Frost.

He was the second of two children. He grew up in and around rural Overton. Donald played basketball in high school at Overton, and was an excellent student, named valedictorian of his graduating class in 1947. He received an academic scholarship to the University of Nebraska and attended one semester in Lincoln before being called back home by his father to assist on the family farm west of Overton. During his high school years, he helped out at Potter's Garage in Overton, where he picked up much of his considerable skill as a mechanic. Don enlisted in the Nebraska National Guard where he served for several years as a Tank Crewman and Tank Commander on the M-47 Tank, rising to the rank of Staff Sergeant. He also worked as a mechanic and welder for Progress Products alfalfa Mill, and as a fabricator and shop foreman for Plectron Corporation, both also in Overton. He left Plectron Corporation to become one of the original employees at Reach Electronics in Lexington, first at the Lexington Airport, and later at the company plant on West 13th street in Lexington. He worked for Reach Electronics for over 25 years, rising to the position of production manager. He also assisted on the family farm throughout his adult years, including farming a portion of the property evenings and weekends for many years, as well as raising livestock. Don was a skilled mechanic, welder, fabricator, carpenter, and general handyman. After leaving Reach Electronics, he was semi retired, and renovated several properties in the Lexington area to be used as rentals. He also worked for a short time for Overton Sand & Gravel, as well as a few other odd jobs when called upon by those who knew his abilities and trusted him. Don had a beautiful tenor voice, and over the years, he and his wife Verna were asked to sing duets at countless memorial services throughout central Nebraska.

He was married to Verna Lucille (Jauken) Frost on June 14, 1953. They made their home on the Frost Farm west of Overton. Two children were born to this union; Carol Lynne (Frost) Frey, & Ronald Alan Frost. Vera succumbed to a long fight with cancer on May 20, 1981. Donald married Marilyn (Harm, Fiene) Frost on July 17, 1982. Marilyn brought four sons from a previous marriage to the family; Deon, twins Kevin & Kelsey, and Tyler. Donald and Marilyn moved from the Frost farm to Elwood in 2003, where they lived out the rest of his days.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Verna, Deon's daughter Jacklyn Fiene, and Tyler's son, Riley Fiene.

He is survived by his wife Marilyn Frost of Elwood, Nebraska

                    Daughter: Carol (Frost) Frey and husband Curtis of Emerson, Nebraska

                             Son: Colonel Ronald Frost of Fort Bragg, North Carolina

Step-Sons:  Deon Fiene & wife Sindy of Elwood, Nebraska

                   Kevin Fiene & wife Mary of Elwood, Nebraska

                   Kelsey Fiene & wife Sherry of Gothenburg, Nebraska

                   Tyler Fiene & wife Tracy of Plattsmouth, Nebraska

Sister: Dorothy June (Frost) Crawford & husband Ray of Alliance, Nebraska

Grandchildren: 14  Great-Grandchildren: 5

Condolences or personal reflections can be left at elwoodfuneralhome.com

There will be no viewing or visitation. Memorial services will be Monday, August 22, 2011 at 10:30 AM at the Elwood Christian Church with Pastor Linda Newman, officiating. The family will be greeting the public from 9:30 till 10:30 AM prior to the service at the church. Private inurnment will be at a later date. Memorials are suggested to the Gosper County Carnival Association. Elwood Funeral Home of Elwood, Nebraska is in charge of the arrangements.