Carl Bumgarner

Carl Bumgarner age 83 formerly of Merna, NE peacefully passed away on Thursday, October 17, 2024, at Brookestone View surrounded by his family.

Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, October 24, 2024, at 10:00 AM at Govier Brothers Mortuary in Broken Bow, NE. Burial will follow in the Broken Bow Cemetery with Military Honors. Memorials are suggested to the Broken Bow American Legion Baseball Team Post 126. A visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 23rd from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, with the family greeting from 6:00 to 7:00 PM at Govier Brothers Mortuary. Govier Brothers Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.govierbrothers.com 

Carl Eugene Bumgarner was born September 17, 1941, to Otis Earl and Emma Jane Bumgarner in Richwood, Ohio. Carl enlisted in the Air Force in 1959. He met the love of his life, Theresa Cardoza, while stationed at Castle Air Force Base in Merced, California. They were married shortly after in 1964 and started a family. Carl was stationed in Okinawa, Japan, and Thailand during the Vietnam War. During this time, he flew in KC135s and refueled B52 planes and fighter jets. In 1971, Carl and his family started custom harvesting in California, eventually leading them to move to Nebraska in 1983. The harvest runs included Oklahoma, Kansas, South Dakota, and Montana. Carl and his sons continued to custom harvest for about 34 years. Carl and Theresa also farmed near Merna, Nebraska for several years. In 2015, Carl and Theresa retired from farming and harvesting and enjoyed following their grandchildren in all their activities until he moved to Brookstone View in Broken Bow.

 Carl had many passions throughout his life. He dearly loved his wife of 60 years and enjoyed farming, fishing, baseball, custom harvesting, and listening to Paul Harvey and Rush Limbaugh in the tractor. Above all, his children and grandchildren were his greatest joys.

Carl is survived by his wife Theresa of Broken Bow, NE; sons Aaron (Kerry) Bumgarner of Broken Bow, NE, Anson (Carmen) Bumgarner of Broken Bow, NE, Darrick (Holly) Bumgarner of Anselmo, NE, and one daughter Carrie (Derek) Thornton of Broken Bow, NE. Grandchildren include Randy (Angie), Josh, Steven, Matthew, William, Mark, Matt, Jay, Sawyer, Ida Mae, Mattie, Bode, Jake, Tayte, Lily, Emma, and four great-grandchildren Ben, Seth, Anastasia, and MyraLynn.

Carl is preceded in death by his parents Earl and Emma Bumgarner, father and mother-in-law John and Marie Cardoza, and grandson Eric Bumgarner.