Cover photo for Robert D. "R. D." Gay's Obituary
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2014 Robert 2014

Robert D. "R. D." Gay

November 28, 2014 — November 29, 2014

Robert D. "R. D." Gay, 74, of Burke, VA, formerly of Ericson, NE lost his courageous battle against cancer on Friday, November 28, 2014 at the home of his loving family in Burke.

Memorial services will be held at 1:30 p.m., Saturday, March 14, 2015 at Jacobsen-Greenway Funeral Home in St. Paul. Presiding at the service will be Robert's son, Robert Jr.

A time to greet family and sign the book will be held from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m., Friday, March 13, 2015 at the funeral home.

Inurnment will be held at a later date in Arlington National Cemetery.

Jacobsen-Greenway Funeral Home in St. Paul is in charge of arrangements.

Robert was born May 27, 1940 in Howard County to Everett and Edna (Nielsen) Gay. He attended St. Paul High School where he excelled in football, basketball, and baseball.

He was united in marriage to Alice Keller on April 6, 1957 in Denver, Colorado.
Robert entered the United States Air Force on October 22, 1957 and obtained his GED. He worked as a Weapons Mechanic for part of his service time while serving in Europe (Germany) and Montana. He received his discharge on October 22, 1964 with the rank of Sergeant. He then served in the Colorado Air National Guard in Denver, reaching the rank of Technical Sergeant, and completing one tour of duty in Vietnam.
Robert was self-employed for most of his life doing welding and contractor work.

He loved working with his hands and working on many different items. Hunting, fishing, and gun collecting were his hobbies. He liked to listen to old classic country music, watch Western movie classics, helping others, including serving as a foster parent to many children.

He leaves behind a loving and caring family which includes a son and daughter-in-law, Robert, Jr. and Yong Yun Gay of Burke, VA; two daughters and sons-in-law, Annaliese and Jay Turner of Hillsborough, NC and Alissa Ann and Jon Long of Olathe, KS; six grandchildren, Gloria Gay and Paul Gay, Jayme Turner, Julya and her husband Brock Gandy, Ben and Macie Bentley; four brothers and three sisters-in-law, Jim and Mary Gay of Palmer, Don Gay, Gary and K.L. Gay, and Larry and Nila Gay all of Grand Island; three sisters, Ellen Dalrymple of Ericson, Joyce Gay and Doretta Arent of Grand Island; special uncles and spouses, Paul and Dee Nielsen of Wolbach and Jens, Jr. and Susie Nielsen of Belle Vista, Arkansas; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Alice on August 3, 2011; and a grandson Joseph Patrick Turner.


A TRIBUTE AND THANK YOU TO OUR AGING VETERANS DEDICATED TO VETERANS OF WWII & THE VETERANS OF THE KOREAN WAR WHO HELPED TO PRESERVE THAT VICTORY FINALLY, A LONG OVERDUE THANK-YOU TO VETERANS OF THE VIETNAM WAR

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