Donald Deck, Jr., age 75, peacefully passed away July 8, 2024, at his home in North Platte after a long battle with lung disease.
Don, the son of Lavawn and Don Deck, Sr., was born August 23, 1948, at Garden City, KS. The family lived in various states before settling in North Platte. In September of 1966, Don enlisted into the U.S. Army. During his service he did his basic training at Ft. Bliss, TX, then was stationed in Germany before being sent to Vietnam where he served from Febr. 1968 to Febr. 1969 during the TET Offensive. During his three years of active duty, Don received many accommodations including the Vietnam Service Medal with 2 Bronze Stars.
Following his honorable discharge, Don returned home and was able to attend North Platte Voc Tech on the G.I. Bill. He was schooled in auto body then went to work for Joe Dye Ford. In 1979 Don hired on with the Union Pacific Railroad and spent 30 years with the railroad working as a fireman/oiler.
On November 14, 2008, Don married Cheryl Garrett in North Platte. He enjoyed watching the Dallas Cowboys and Nebraska Cornhuskers and after retiring in 2009, he had more time to spend with his family and friends. Don will be greatly missed!
He was preceded in death by his mother, Lavawn Hagedorn; son, Lance Deck; grandson, Rolland Tockey, Jr.; and father-in-law, Roger Musgrave.
Don leaves behind his wife, Cheryl, sister, Janet Carlton, and daughters, Chasity Deck and Audrey Tockey, all of North Platte; stepchildren, Lindsay Madron (Lance) of Omaha, Jennifer Hagen (Jim) of North Platte, Nina Garrett of Hastings and Michael Garrett of Decatur, MI; mother-in-law, Barbara Musgrave of Kearney; 9 grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and other family.
The family would like to thank Dr. Jason Citta for all the care and compassion he has shown to Don the past 20 years.
Graveside service with military honors will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, July 16, at Fort McPherson National Cemetery. Online condolences may be shared at odeanchapel.com. Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore is in charge of arrangements.