Casey R. Nelms, age 69, of Sutherland, passed away peacefully July 17, 2026 at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney surrounded by his loving family. He has been fighting a long battle with stage 4 prostate cancer.
Casey was born on January 25, 1957 in Omaha, and was adopted by Leonard and Iris (Pinn) Nelms of Hays Center. Casey graduated with the Class of 1975 from Hayes Center High School, being involved with 4-H, Legion Baseball, Track and Field, and riding and showing horses.
On September 21, 1985, Casey married Wanda Jean Buker in Sutherland. Casey had been working at the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department, starting in December 1983. His career spanned 40 years until his cancer forced his retirement.
Casey had a deep love for his family, especially his grandchildren. He enjoyed riding his Harleys and took great pride in his lawn service, that he has done since 1985. He will be remembered as a great husband, father, and grandfather.
Survivors include his wife Wanda of Sutherland; children, Justin Nelms of Sutherland, Jesi (Cameron) Sonnenfeld of North Platte, Colt (Bethany) Nelms of San Juan, Capistrano, CA, Chase (Danielle) Nelms of Lincoln, and Mindy Dann of Omaha; grandchildren, Sam, Julian, and Alayna Nelms, Caysen, Hudsen, Jensen, and Graysen Sonnenfeld, Lillian Nelms, Conner, Harper, and Liam Hoefer, Parker, Camden, and Kenzie Nelms; biological mother, Pat Deges of Englewood, CO; mother-in-law, Ila Buker of Panora, IA; sister, Kristy (Jerry) Vapinek of Wauneta, NE; brother, James Nelms of Franklin, TN; brother-in-law, Mike (Diane) Buker of Fort Calhoun, NE; two aunts, Doris Vlasin of Hayes Center, NE and LaVerna Scott of Wichita, KS; and numerous other family members and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents, Vernie and Etta Nelms and George and Minnie Pinn; father-in-law, Gary Buker; uncles, Joe Vlasin and Roland Scott; and a cousin, Reggie Vlasin. Online condolences and live stream of the service can be found at www.adamsswanson.com.
Services will be 11:00 a.m. Friday July 24, 2026, at the New Life Church in North Platte with Tyler Schultz officiating. Visitation will be 12-7 Thursday July 23, 2026, with the family receiving friends from 5-7 at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home, which is in charge of arrangements.