Darwin “Derb” Frey, age 88, of Stapleton, Nebraska, passed away peacefully on February 4, 2021, at the Central Nebraska Veteran’s Home in Kearney, Nebraska. Darwin was born May 14, 1932 at the home of Harry and Eva Frey, in Stapleton, Nebraska.
He graduated in 1950 from Baker Rural High School and enlisted in the United States Air Force. Darwin served during the Korean War as an aerial gunner on a B-29 bomber flying out of Okinawa. He was decorated with the Air Medal with three oak leaf clusters. After serving four years each of active and reserve duty, he was honorably discharged from the Air Force and enrolled in the University of Wyoming using the G.I. Bill. Darwin graduated in 1959 with a bachelor’s degree in geology and a master’s degree in petroleum geology. He accepted a position with Chevron Oil Company working in Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, and Nebraska. In the summer of 1955 while still in college, Darwin and his hometown sweetheart Lewellyn Philpot were united in marriage. They were blessed with two sons, Steven & Gregory. Darwin’s job with Chevron required him to be away from home much of the time and living in a big city was simply unacceptable so he resigned from Chevron and moved his family back to his hometown and began his career in agriculture. Lewellyn’s father purchased the Morrison Ranch in Logan County, Nebraska and made Darwin manager, giving the boys a ranch life. Darwin was a licensed pilot logging over 400 hours flying his Piper Tri-Pacer around the ranch checking pastures & windmills & taking family members to doctor appointments. Darwin later purchased the propane and hardware business with son Steve and wife Cindy formally owned by Mike Hanna. This business also worked well for Darwin being a Pioneer Seed Representative which lasted for 35 years. Darwin along with younger son Greg and wife Katrina purchased the land formally owned by his siblings.
Darwin served on the Rural Fire Board, School Board, Upper Loup NRD, Selective Service Draft Board for 25 years, and the Vet’s Club manager & maintenance man. He belonged to the University of Wyoming honorary chapter of the Sigma XI, AAPG (American Association of Petroleum Geologists), AIME (American Institute of Mining Engineers), American Society of Crop Advisors, & Nebraska Agri-Business Association. Darwin was a 50-year life member of VFW Post 8258, served as Quartermaster for 8 years and was given a citation by VFW National Headquarters for his efforts in recruiting life members. He was a 40-year member of the American Legion Post 324. Darwin gave the commands at several military funerals and was elected senior vice commander. Darwin was very patriotic, and he stood and saluted our American flag and had no time for those who did not. He spent many years placing flags on Veteran’s graves at the McCain, Loup Valley, and St. John’s Cemeteries on Memorial Day. Darwin loved animals and had many pets. Being a geologist, he collected many rocks which can be seen in his yard.
Darwin was preceded in death by his wife Lewellyn; his parents Harry and Eva Frey; and siblings Calvin, Harry Wayne & Dolores.
He is survived by sons Steven (Cindy) and Gregory (Katrina) of Stapleton, Nebraska; grandchildren Steph (Greg) Miller of Lincoln, Nebraska, Sondy Frey (Wayne Claar) of Mayfield, Kentucky, Shawna Frey of Stapleton, Nebraska, Devan (Mitch) McAdow of Hyannis, Nebraska, Payton Frey of Prescott Arizona, and Max Frey of Lincoln, Nebraska.
Graveside Services will be 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 14, 2021 at Fort McPherson National Cemetery in Maxwell, Nebraska with the Reverend Eric Mockaitis officiating. In lieu of flowers memorials in honor of Darwin are suggested to the VFW Post 8258 or to the Callahan Cancer Center.
Adams and Swanson Funeral Home in North Platte, Nebraska is in charge of arrangements. Services will be held following all current health directives regarding Covid-19. Masks are required at Fort McPherson.
The service will be livestreamed via Adams & Swanson Funeral Homes Facebook page. Online condolences and sharing of memories may be directed to https://www.adamsswanson.com.