Larry Rader

Hastings resident Larry R. Rader, 79, passed away Sunday, May 26, 2019, at Mary Lanning Healthcare, Hastings, NE.

Services are 10:30 a.m. Friday, May 31, at First United Methodist Church in Hastings with Pastor Greg Lindenberger officiating. Burial will be at Parkview Cemetery in Hastings following service. There will be private family viewing and visitation from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Public book signing will be 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Memorials may be given to First United Methodist Church or Hastings Public Schools Foundation Class of 1958 Scholarship Fund.

Larry was born May 14, 1940, in Hastings, NE to Burton F. & Freda M. (McCormick) Rader. He never lived anywhere other than Hastings, NE. He graduated from Hastings High School in 1958. Larry married Judy K. Hunt on July 5, 1958, at First United Methodist Church in Hastings.

Larry joined his father, Burton, in the family insurance agency that Burton had recently acquired in 1955 from his uncle, Lee Haggard, and remained in that occupation for 59 years. His son and grandson have been in business with Larry for many years.

He was a lifelong member of First United Methodist Church; Professional Insurance Agents; Hastings Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors (2001-2007); and President of Hastings Public Schools Foundation Board of Directors. Larry was a past member of Sertoma; Eagles; Southern Hills Realtor Board; Head Start Board of Directors (1994-2002) and served as Chair for two years and was very involved in seeing the new 40,000 square foot Head Start building to fruition, which was the finest Head Start facility in our seven-state area; City Council (1984-1988); Community Redevelopment Authority; past State President of Professional Insurance Agents; past Commissioner of Midget Football; and Little League Baseball. He helped start Midget Football while with Jaycees. Larry received the State Community Service Award, which he was very proud of.

Larry was an avid Husker fan, loved motorcycling, spending time at Harlan County Lake for over 30 years with family and friends. He had a deep passion for politics and American history. Larry had a deep passion for his high school class of 1958 and was very committed to the Class of 1958 Endowed Scholarship Fund.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Roger; and sister, Sandra Schultz.

SURVIVORS:
Wife of 60 years:
Judy Rader – Hastings, NE
Sons & Spouse:
Rick Rader – Hastings, NE
Rodney & Lisa Rader – Grand Island, NE
Grandchildren:
Audrey Sevenker
Dustin Rader
Ashley DeWitt
Skyler Rader
Logan Rader
Kailey Rayburn
Dakota Rader
Great-Grandchildren:
Kowen
Kallen
Kinsley
Leila
Samantha
Jack
MaKenna
Devin
Riley
Reagan
Sister:
Peggy Sinnard – Kearney, NE
Brothers-in-law & Sisters-in-law:
Jack & Cynthia Hunt
John & Linda Hunt
Numerous Nieces & Nephews