David Lawrence Heskett

Jan. 11, 1938 - July 27, 2009

CULBERTSON -- David Lawrence Heskett of Culbertson died Monday, July 27, 2009. He fought a fast moving cancer courageously over 10 months. He was 71 years old.

David was born Jan. 11, 1938, at Goodland, Kan., to Ralph Merritt and Reatha Virginia (Townsend) Heskett.

He married Judy M. Martin on July 31, 1966, at Julesburg, Colo.

David began working at the age of 12 for a farmer, plowing with a one-bottom plow near North Branch, Kan., helping the family with finances during hard times. At the age of 16, he began working in the sandhills of Nebraska on ranches, often sending home wages to help his parents and younger siblings.

He later worked with heavy equipment helping to build the interstate near Ogallala, and to level land in Chase County; and did road maintenance in Chase County and Red Willow County. He was an irrigation diesel mechanic for several years in Chase County, and a mechanic for a highway construction company in Kansas.

He was working as a skilled blade man in highway construction for Western Engineering Co., Inc. out of North Platte for a number of years of the latter part of his life; he retired in October of 2008 when his health prevented him from working.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Ralph and Reatha Heskett; one sister, Shirley; and five brothers, Ralph Jr., Rod, Clair, Gordon and Kenneth Heskett.

Survivors include his wife of 43 years, Judy Heskett of Culbertson; two daughters, Nancy Johnston and Tina Messersmith, both of Nebraska; three sons, James "Jim" Heskett and Matthew Heskett of Nebraska and Jeremy Heskett and wife, Melody, of Kansas; 15 grandchildren; one brother, Charly Heskett and wife, Glenda of Idaho; one sister, Edna and husband, Dean Baldwin of Arkansas; and numerous nephews and nieces.

Memorials may be given in his name. Friends may sign the guest book at the funeral home or go online at www.carpenterbreland.com.

Visitation will be today and Wednesday during regular office hours and on Thursday from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m., at Carpenter Breland Funeral Home in McCook.

Funeral services will be at the Bethel Missionary Church in Culbertson, Friday, July 31, at 11 a.m. with Pastor Richard Karr officiating. Burial will be in the Culbertson Cemetery with Veteran's Honorary Committal.

Carpenter Breland Funeral Home of McCook is in charge of the arrangements.

IT'S OKAY

It's okay to go now;

Your time on earth is done;

Let go, let go; let Me, let Me...

Let Me take you hand!

It's okay to go now;

I've washed you in My blood;

Your sins are all forgiven;

Because of My great love!

I want to take you home now;

Where there's no sorrow or pain;

Perfect joy in My presence;

A place where the angels sing!

Thank you! Thank you, Jesus!

Thank you all over again!

You've given me joy in my sorrow,

And comfort in my pain! By JMH