Orville L. Coady

Orville L. (Bill) Coady was born at home on December 8, 1936, in Stamford, Nebraska, to Wm. Orville and Ruth (Clawson) Coady. He died on March 25, 2024, at Harbor Senior Care in Lincoln, Nebraska at the age of 87.

Growing up, he was busy being a student, an athlete, and an equal parts protective and teasing brother to his two little sisters. He left home to attend the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business in 1958. In the summers, he went home and worked with his dad on the farm and the Stamford Grain Elevator. He served in ROTC, survived boot camp, and was stationed in the Army in Fort Riley, Kansas, as a 2nd Lt. He continued his education at the University of Michigan Law School, graduating on August 23, 1963. While living and attending school in Ann Arbor, he met and fell in love with Constance (Connie) Ledel, and the two married on June 20, 1964.

Bill and Connie moved to Hebron, Nebraska where they lived, raised children — Michele, Eric, Nate, and Jon — and participated in the community for more than 50 years. Bill began his career as an attorney for Orville Baldwin, who encouraged him to get involved in local and state politics. In 1973, he was appointed to the First Judicial District bench by Governor James Exon. His District included the seats of Thayer, Filmore, Nuckolls, and Saline counties. He served the residents of these counties for 30 years, until his retirement in 2003. During his years in Hebron, Bill was active in Rotary, First Christian Church, the Isaac Walton League, and Thayer County Community Theater. He was, perhaps, best known locally for what his family called “running the dogs.” As he watched everything but the road, all in Thayer County knew when they saw his vehicle (most times at a painfully slow progression) to keep an eye out for Sally, RJ, Czech, and Joc. Together, Bill and his dogs walked countless miles, scouting fields for birds and good hunting well into his retirement. As much as he cared for his dogs, he loved his grandchildren even more, and Kaylea, Anna, Pierce, Owen, Scout, Cecelia, Max, and Wyatt took great delight in “running the dogs” and other adventures together.

Following a cancer diagnosis, Bill provided excellent care for Connie until her death in 2014. Later, Bill built a life with Arlys Dill, and they cared for one another in Hebron, until moving to Lincoln in 2021.

Preceding him in death are his parents and wife, Connie. Left behind to mourn are his wife, Arlys; daughter Michele (Frank) Spadini, and sons William Eric (Janelle), Nate (Kate), and Jon; sisters Gloria Baker and Tillie deFreese; grandchildren; and innumerable other family and friends who will always remember him for his wisdom, his generosity, and most importantly, his orneriness and the dimple that gave it all away.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Stastny Community Center, 1350 Dove Road, Hebron, NE on Saturday, June 15, 2024, at 10:30 a.m., with a lunch to follow.  Memorials are designated to the Hebron Rotary Club, c/o Mary Rauner, 535 Barger Avenue, Hebron, NE 68370.