William Humphrey Obituary (2024)
William Donald "Don" Humphrey
May 5, 1932 - September 21, 2024
William Donald "Don" Humphrey, of Lincoln, NE, age 92, passed away on September 21, 2024, in Lincoln, NE. He was born in Salt Lake City, UT, on May 5, 1932, to Isaac and Twila Humphrey.
Don graduated from the University of Utah with a B.S. in Engineering. His career took him to various engineering jobs around the country, but he eventually landed at Brunswick Corporation in Lincoln, NE, in 1966.
At Brunswick Don worked on and headed up several major high-profile projects working with composites for space and defense related applications. Among his projects, he was the Lead Engineer on the Skylab Oxygen Tanks which were manufactured in Lincoln, NE, and were then used in NASA's Skylab Space Station. Don retired from Brunswick in 1998 and was then a consultant in the composite industry for several years after that.
Don married the love of his life Mary Jane Greear on December 9, 1961. They were happily married until Mary Jane's passing in 2017. Don and Mary Jane had two sons, David and Patrick. David was mentally handicapped at a time when such children were often sent away from their families to live in institutions. Don and Mary Jane gave David a quality life and helped David live to his full potential at home and in the community. Don was good natured with his family and the many friends he made in the community.
Don participated in many activities and organizations related to advocacy for the mentally disabled. As part of his advocacy for mentally disabled, Don was a member of Lancaster Office of Mental Retardation and also the Association of Retarded Citizens. Don was involved in multiple civic and fraternal organizations including Kiwanis Club , the Elks and Cornhusker Fly Fishers among others. In retirement Don volunteered at the Nebraska State Museum and the Lied Center for the Performing Arts.
Don loved many activities including skiing, golfing, hunting and fishing. He had many adventures with friends and family while hunting and fishing in Nebraska and around the country. He was well read and enjoyed traveling to many places.
Don is Survived by his son, Patrick Donald Humphrey; and daughter-in-law Carla Mae (Strack) Humphrey; grandson, Collin William Humphrey and wife Jessica Lynne (Whitney) Humphrey; and his granddaughter, Kayla Mae Humphrey.
Don was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Jane Greear Humphrey; son, David Issac Humphrey; and his parents, Isaac Bailey Humphrey and Twila Littlefield Heiner Humphrey.
A Memorial Service for Don will be at Heartlands Church at 10000 Yankee Hill Road in Lincoln, NE, on October 11, 2024, at 10:00 a.m.
Memorials can be made to Tabitha Hospice or the Cornhusker Fly Fishers.
