Donald R. Roads

Donald R. Roads, 81, of Kearney formerly of Axtell, passed away on Wednesday, August 17, 2022 at Providence Place in Hastings. Memorial services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 23, 2022 at First Presbyterian Church in Axtell with the Rev. Logan Ellis and Rev. Daren Popple officiating. The service will be streamed to the church’s Facebook page. Private family inurnment will be held prior to services at the Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Axtell. A memorial book signing with the family present will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Monday, August 22, 2022 at the First Presbyterian Church in Axtell. Memorials in Don’s honor are kindly suggested to the family for later designation. Arrangements are under the care of Craig Funeral Home in Minden. Donald was born September 13, 1940 in Holdrege, Nebraska to Harold and Myrtle (England) Roads. He attended Axtell Community School, graduating with the class of 1958. On May 21, 1960, he was united in marriage to his classmate Susan J. Popple in Axtell and to this union, three children were born: Jerry, Kathy, and Sherri. The family made their home in Axtell. Don worked at the Axtell Coop elevator for 18 years, and later at Marlatt Machine Shop in Kearney. He also worked in construction for many years and at Mosaic in Axtell for 15 years. Don was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather; he especially enjoyed attending his children and grandchildren’s activities. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Axtell where he served as elder, Axtell Volunteer Fire Department, and the Axtell Lion’s Club. Don had a passion for being outdoors. He loved playing baseball, fishing, hunting, golf, camping, and raising horses. He was a jokester and loved to laugh! Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Susan Roads of Kearney; son, Jerry Roads and wife, Patti of Hildreth; daughters, Kathy Johnson and husband, Scott of Axtell, and Sherri Roads and special friend Steve of Lawrence, KS; grandchildren, Megan Ronne and husband, Derek, and Donald Jerry Katt-Roads and wife Laura; great-granddaughter, Zelda Katt-Roads; sister, Mary Ann Olson; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, extended relatives and close friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Bob Roads; brothers-in-law, Mike Popple, Max Popple, Brent Popple, Brian Popple, Brad Popple; and sister-in-law, Colleen (Popple) Warnken. Tributes and memories can be shared with the family at www.craigfunerals.com.

Donald R. Roads

September 13, 1940 - August 17, 2022