Edwin Befort peacefully passed away at Great Plains Health on June 24, 2023, at the age of 80.
Ed was born January 11, 1943, to Albert and Florine Befort in Weskan, KS. He grew up in Imperial, NE, and graduated from Imperial High School in 1961.
Ed was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1964. He served in the Vietnam War during 1965 then was honorably discharged in 1966.
On November 9, 1968, Edwin was united in marriage to Shirley Johnston. They made their home in Paxton and had two children, Vonnie and Greg. He later married Ardell Murray on May 6, 1994, in North Platte.
Ed had a long career with Nebraska Public Power District. He started in 1968 then transferred to North Platte in 1983 and worked at the Hydro Plant in water resources. After 37 years with NPPD, Ed retired on January 11, 2005.
Ed was a lifetime member of the Paxton American Legion Post #303, an active lifetime member of V.F.W. Post #7598 and #1504, and a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church. He was a very outside person who enjoyed camping, gardening, fishing and hunting. He also enjoyed traveling, reading and was very interested in history. Ed especially enjoyed his grandchildren, they were very special to him.
He is survived by his wife, Ardell, daughter, Vonnie (Larry) Hebblethwaite and son, Greg (Jessica) Befort, all of North Platte; stepson, Steven (Becky) Kapperman of Friend, NE; his sister, Judy (Robert) Bedford of North Platte; sisters-in-law, Bev Befort of North Platte and Delores Befort of Colorado; seven grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and other family.
Ed was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Oliver, Duane, Ronald and Donald; and his sister, Valeria.
Services will be held at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in North Platte on Friday, June 30, 2023. Rosary will begin at 11 a.m. followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 a.m. with Celebrant Father Jonathan Sorensen. Inurnment with military honors will follow in Fort McPherson National Cemetery. Visitation is Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and with family greeting from 4-6 p.m. at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore, which is in charge of arrangements. Memorials are to St. Patrick's Catholic Church. Online condolences may be shared at odeanchapel.com.