Eugene Gilland

Eugene Gilland, 67, of Callaway, NE, passed away on Sunday, January 20, 2019, at the Cozad Care Center after a short illness.

Eugene was born October 31, 1951, at Lexington, NE, to Vernon and Norma (Gilland) Sweet. He was adopted by his grandparents, Claude and Melinda Gilland, and grew up and attended school in Lexington. He worked various jobs then enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1969.

Following his discharge in '71 Eugene returned to Lexington then moved around to different cities and states for work before moving back to Lexington in 1981 where he did construction work. In 1983 Eugene met Rhonda Sue Harris and the two married on June 11, 1986. After living in Lexington for a while they moved around to different communities in Nebraska with his work. They had two children and divorced in 2015. Eugene had been living in the Arnold community since 2001.

Eugene was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran Church but preferred to study the bible at home. He was a member of the N.R.A. and a past member of the American Legion. By 1994 he was no longer able to work due to a disability so he liked spending his time fishing and gardening but especially enjoyed being with his family and friends.

He is survived by his children, Jake Gilland and Lori (Chris) Berglund, and brother, Randall (Becky) Gilland, all of North Platte; sister, Sheryl Erickson, of Kearney; and other family.

Eugene was preceded in death by his parents who raised him, Claude and Melinda Gilland, and his birth parents, Vernon Sweet and Norma Gilland Sweet.

Cremation was chosen. Graveside service and inurnment will be 2 p.m. Friday, January 25, 2019, at Fort McPherson National Cemetery with Military Honors. The memorial book may be signed at odeanchapel.com or at the graveside. Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore is in charge of arrangements.