Richard Lynn Corman

Richard Lynn Corman was born October 18, 1948 in Davenport, Nebraska to Vernon and Betty (Anderson) Corman, the first of four children.  He passed away Friday, July 12, 2024 at Mary Lanning Hospital in Hastings, Nebraska at the age of 75. He battled Parkinson's disease for at least ten years.

As a youth, Richard enjoyed working with horses and cattle on the family farm and participating in 4-H activities.  He was confirmed at Christ's Lutheran Church in Davenport and participated in Luther League youth group activities.  Sports were an important part of his high school experience. In 1966 he graduated from Davenport High School and headed to the University of Nebraska, earning a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science in 1970.  While at UNL, he served as president of Ag Men Coop and was active in other campus organizations.  On December 1, 1969 when the draft lottery was announced, his birth date was drawn number 5 and first for Nuckolls county draft.  He reported for Army training and was well into the process when he was recruited by a professor at UNL for graduate school.  He took advantage of that opportunity by joining the Army National Guard Unit out of York, Nebraska where he served from 1970-76.  He presented the results of his Masters research in swine reproductive physiology in Chicago at a national meeting in November of 1972.

August 19, 1972 he married Mary Alice Coyle in McCook, Nebraska.  The couple lived near Edgar, Nebraska where Richard farmed with his father and brother.  In additional to field crops, they raised hogs and cattle.  True to his animal science education, he studied genetics for Simmental cattle and closely tracked EPDs (Expected Progency Differences) for each animal.  He developed his herd's genetics to market seed stock cattle, selling bulls and heifers with proven genetics for herd building for 48 years.  Richard enjoyed showing cattle in the Nebraska and Kansas State Fairs, the American Royal and the Cattleman's Classic.  He was known for his docile animals and ability to break yearling bulls to tie and lead in preparation for Bulls on Main Street and Husker Harvest Days.

Richard and Mary Alice had three children, Angela, Crystal, and Kelly.  As a father, he instilled in his children a strong work ethic, respect for education, and love for animals and nature.  He especially enjoyed supporting their sports activities, tutoring in math, and working with animals, including 4-H.  Richard found great joy watching grandchildren Max, Tate, Emelyn, Tessa, Leon, and Quinn grow and learn.

Richard was a man of integrity and deep Christian faith. He was respected by neighbors and peers, and he also mentored young farmers and ranchers.  After graduate school, he was recruited to lead a 4-H livestock club and supported the 4-H program in Thayer County.  Richard served as president of the Davenport Lions Club, the Nuckolls County Cattlemen Association, the Nuckolls County 4-H Council, the area and District 3 Nebraska Farmers Union, the Christ's Lutheran Church Council, to name a few.  He taught youth Sunday School classes and regularly attended the men's prayer group at church.

Richard was preceded in death by his brother Vernon Corman Jr., his father Vernon Corman, mother-in-law Alice (Jewell) Coyle, father-in-law John Francis Coyle, sister-in-law Patty (Coyle) Harris and brother-in-law John Coyle Jr.

He is survived by mother Betty Corman of Edgar, wife Mary Alice Corman, daughter Angela and son-in-law Michael Millington, grandsons Max and Tate Millington of Tulsa, Oklahoma, daughter Crystal and son-in-law Thomas Kuo, granddaughters, Emelyn and Tessa Kuo and grandson Leon Kuo of Leesburg, Virginia, son Kelly and daughter-in-law Jennifer (Yantachka) Corman, grandson Quinn Corman of Bassett, Nebraska, sister Nancy (Corman) and brother-in-law Bill Vossler of Friend, Nebraska, sister Pam (Corman) and brother-in-law Brad Shuck of Edgar, Nebraska, sister-in-law Marla (Prior) Corman of Omaha, Nebraska, sister-in-law Donna (Coyle) and brother-in-law Bill Liess of Greeley, Colorado, plus numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and other extended family members.

Memorials to the family for later designation.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 20, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at Christ’s Lutheran Church in Davenport, NE, with Pastor Beth Roegner officiating.  Burial will be at the Davenport City Cemetery in Davenport.  A Visitation will be held on Friday, July 19, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Price Funeral Home in Hebron, NE.