Edward Lightner

Our best friend, father, grandfather, brother-in-law, father-in-law and uncle Edward H. Lightner, a lifelong resident of Hastings, Nebraska, 96, passed away Monday, April 7, 2014 with many family members by his side.

Services will be Saturday, April 12, 2014; 10:00 A.M. at Second Presbyterian Church, Hastings with The Rev. Dr. David B. McCarthy officiating. Burial will be in Parkview Cemetery, Hastings. The Second Presbyterian Church women's organization will serve at the luncheon. It was our loved one's wish that any memorial contributions be given to Shriners Hospital for Crippled Children or Salvation Army in Hastings, Nebraska. Visitation will be Friday, April 11, 2014; 1:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M. with family present 5:00 P.M. - 7:00 P.M. at the funeral home, and one hour prior to service at the church.

Ed was born in Hastings, Nebraska on July 28, 1917. He was one of eight children born to Ralph and Sena Lightner of Hastings, Nebraska. He attended the Lincoln Grade School, Hastings Junior High and Hastings Senior High. As a boy, while he was going to school, he was employed weekends and summer months at the Fred Blake's Pioneer Meat Market. From 1933-1942 Ed worked for the Johnson Fruit Company. In 1942 he worked for the Burlington Railroad in Lincoln and then in 1943 he transferred to the N.A.D. in Hastings, Nebraska and worked as a railroad brakeman and railroad dispatcher for the Naval Ammunition Railroad System. Ed attended Bockerman Auction School at Sioux City, Iowa in 1946. He attended Real Estate School in Lincoln, Nebraska where he received his Real Estate and Broker's License. Between 1952-1984, Ed was elected eight terms to the Adams County Board of Supervisors from District Five. He proudly served not only District Five but all the people of Adams County for 32 years, serving as Chairman of the Board 18 of the 32 years. Ed spent many hours of work and voted for the best interests of all residents and not just in favor of things that would have been to the benefit of the county seat. Ed married Ruby L. Rutt, daughter of Frank and Mabel Rutt of Campbell, Nebraska on April 14, 1939 in Hastings, Nebraska. They lived in Hastings where they established in 1946 Lightner Auction and Real Estate at 216 South Hastings Avenue, Hastings, Nebraska and operated the business including Thursday night consignment auctions and outside sales, including farm, estate, personal property and real estate auctions from 1946 to 1991. Upon retiring, Ed and Ruby would spend the winter months in Phoenix, Arizona. Ed was a 50 year plus devoted member of the Shriners, Scottish Rite and Masonic Lodge #317 in Hastings, Nebraska. He and his family were also active members of the Second Presbyterian Church in Hastings, Nebraska.

Edward was preceded in death by the love of his life, devoted companion and beautiful wife of 69 years Ruby (Rutt) Lightner who passed away June 6, 2008; son, Kenneth Ray Lightner; parents, Ralph & Sena (Van Boening) Lightner); brothers, Kenneth Lightner, Raymond Lightner & Leonard Lightner; brother-in-law & wife, Virgil & Henrietta Sanford, Curtis Rutt, Sr.; brothers-in-law & sisters-in-law, Richard & Maxine Rutt, Calvin & Pearl Rutt, Jim Sr. & Elsie Stark, Lowell & Helen Hansen, Orva & Hattie Tolle, and Lavern Oscar & Arlene Siebrass; and nephews, Marvin Sanford & Jim Stark, Jr.

Loving survivors include:
Daughters:
Vickie Lightner
Carolea Lightner Ringenberg
Daughter-in-law:
Lynne Joy Lightner
Son-in-law:
Paul Ringenberg
Grandchildren:
Kenneth Lightner, Jr.
Keven (Erin)Lightner
Keith "Korky" (Sheila) Lightner
Lynne Joy (Gary) Shook
Todd Motley
Tatiana Ringenberg
Great-Grandchildren:
Alexis & Kade (children of Keven & Erin Lightner)
Tyrece & Shateyah (children of Korky & Sheila Lightner)
Angelica, Kyla, Kendra & Zane Shook (children of Lynne Joy & Gary Shook)
Jordan Motley, Christian Tapia & Alexis Crosier (children of Todd Motley)
Brother:
Melvin Lightner
Sisters & Spouse:
Viola Gerrard
Mildred & Sidney Griffin
Sisters-in-law:
Phyllis Rutt
Virginia Aten Lightner
Many Nieces & Nephews