Richard LeRoy Furley, 89, passed away Saturday, February 13, 2021 at his home in Alliance, NE.
He was born November 15, 1931 in Ewing, NE to James Roy and Beulah Marie (Angus) Furley. He attended schools in Ewing, Ord and Madison, NE graduating in May, 1950. He was the recipient of a football scholarship to the University of Nebraska.
On December 1, 1952 he was united in marriage to Neldagene Knapp in Madison, NE. Three children were born to this union, Debra Jo, Gina Rae and Douglas Scott.
Richard served in the U.S. Army from May 15, 1952 to May 15, 1954. His tour of duty included serving as an Infantry Platoon Sargent in Korea. He was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge, Bronze Star for Valor and Commendation Medal for Meritorious Service.
Richard began his career in law enforcement serving as a Nebraska State Patrol Trooper from 1955 to 1957 stationed in Hastings, NE. He then became a Nebraska Game and Parks Conservation Officer stationed in Ponca from 1958 to 1961. He was promoted to District 1 Law Enforcement Supervisor in Alliance on September 1, 1961 and retired from that position in 1997. He was a life member of the American Legion, Nebraska Conservation Officers Association and Immanuel Lutheran Church.
Richard is survived by his wife, Neldagene, his children, Debra (Bill) Smith, Gina (Russ) Anders and Douglas Furley, his grandchildren, Greg (Shana) Brown, Lacey (Adam) Herring, Levi (Jess) Anders, Candice (Justin) Gibson, Melissa Smith, Chance (Hannah) Smith, Kyle (Lindsay) Furley, Kohl (Shaylee) and Maison (Colleen) Furley and 19 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Jerry (Sandy) Furley and sister-in-law, Barbara Furley.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Beulah, his brothers, Earl, Paul and Jim, his sisters, Betty and Lois, his brother-in-law, Arland Knapp, his sister-in-law, Beulah Knapp, his father and mother-in-law, Clarence and Gertrude Knapp.
Memorial services will be held at a later date.
Memorials may be given to Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran School Tree Fund or to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Online condolences may be left at www.batesgould.com with Bates-Gould Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.