Donald Lee Haws, 91, life-long resident of North Platte, NE passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 15, 2025 at Linden Court. Don was born on February 9, 1933, the son of Ralph and Lyra Haws. He graduated in 1951 from North Platte High School and went on to attend Trade School in Milford, NE. He was employed by the UP Railroad for 10 years before opening Haws Plywood Cash and Carry Lumber yard. He expanded his business starting the Home Improvement Center (HIC) and later purchased a Manufactured Home Plant, building over 100 homes in a four-state area.
Don spent the majority of his life in service to others. He was an active member of the Lutheran Church for 80 years, serving in many positions including Chairman of the Church Council. He served as a Lincoln County Commissioner for 16 years. He enjoyed mentoring a young man for many years through the Community Connections program. Don served as President of the school board for Hall School and worked on the alcohol and drug committee of Mid-Nebraska. He served on the board of Community Action Partnership of Mid Nebraska located in Kearney, NE. He served 20 years in the Nebraska National Guard, retiring as a Captain.
Those left to cherish Don’s memory are his beloved wife of 70 years Betty Haws of North Platte; daughters Michele Haws (Hector Zarate) of Parker, CO, Jan (Chris) Earley of Colorado Springs, CO, Denise Haws of Eaton, CO, and son Jeff (Gina) Haws of North Platte, NE; sister Joyce Barnes of Nampa, ID; sister-in-law Margaret Haws of Hot Springs, AK; brother-in-law RL (Bob) Long and sister-in-law Patricia Long of North Platte, NE; Grandchildren Erin Earley, Aurora, CO, Christopher (Courtney) Earley, Colorado Springs, CO, and Ashley Haws Englewood, CO; and great-granddaughter Thea Rose Earley, Colorado Springs, CO; as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews who he loved dearly.
Don was preceded in death by parents, Ralph and Lyra Haws, brother Wm (Bill) Haws; nephew Kevin Haws; niece Debbie Shull, and in-laws Bob and Elinor Long.
Funeral Service will be at First Evangelical Lutheran Church on Tuesday, January 21, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Patrick Sipes officiating. Burial will follow at 2:00p.m. at Fort McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell, NE with Full Military Honors with the North Platte Veterans Honor Guard. Visitation will be at Carpenter Memorial Chapel from Noon to 7:00 p.m. with family receiving friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, January 20, 2025. In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name may be made to First Evangelical Lutheran Church or Community Connections of North Platte, NE.
Carpenter Memorial Chapel has been entrusted with the arrangements. Online condolences and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.carpentermemorial.com