Larry Hickenbottom

Larry Allen Hickenbottom, age 86, passed away on November 16, 2024, at Jennie Melham Medical Center in Broken Bow, NE.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, November 22, 2024, at 2:00 PM at Govier Brothers Mortuary in Broken Bow with Darrell Sybrant officiating. Burial will be in the Broken Bow Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Broken Bow Ambulance. A visitation will be held on Thursday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM with the family greeting friends from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Govier Brothers. Words of encouragement and remembrance can be left at www.govierbrothers.com

Larry, the son of Velda Philip Hickenbottom and Reva Lesta (Hickenbottom) Hickenbottom was born October 17, 1938, in Broken Bow, NE. 

Larry grew up in Broken Bow. He attended Broken Bow Public School.

Larry’s first job was with a local well drilling company. He also worked at a Sinclair gas station as well as a Broken Bow police officer.

Larry was elected Sheriff of Custer County in 1974 and served 3 terms as sheriff. One of his proudest accomplishments was to organize the Custer County Sheriff's Posse in 1975, with the help of Posse members from every corner of the county, a posse capable of handling all varieties of disasters.

Larry owned and operated several businesses in Broken Bow such as a Sinclair gas station, a photo shop, and was also a licensed real estate broker.

Larry retired as a Custer County Supervisor after serving for 22 years. His accomplishments as a supervisor included overseeing the building of a new Health and Human Services building and a new Judicial Center. Zoning was implemented during this period, as well as 911, and road signage. A tax on entertainment and motel tax for economic development. During his tenure, the Custer County Courthouse celebrated its 100-year birthday. A time capsule was buried at the courthouse.

October 14, 1958, Larry was united in marriage to Venetta “Jo” Porter. They were blessed with one son, Kent Eugene. They enjoyed their time together for 66 years.

Larry is survived by his wife Venetta “Jo”, 2 granddaughters, Abbie and Anna Hickenbottom, daughter-in-law Lanette of Oklahoma, step-grandchildren Zachery Weaver of North Dakota and Brandi Weaver of Louisiana, 2 nieces Valerie and Celeste, and two nephews Barney and Michael and their families in Georgia; a brother-in-law Sherman (Louella) Porter and sister-in-law Roma Porter and their families of Broken Bow. Larry also is survived by a “special daughter” Elaine Johnson, and very special cousins “The Smith Girls” Frances, Carrie, Janet, Barbara, and Joan of Washington, and numerous nieces and nephews from California and Colorado.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, his brother William and wife Doris in Georgia, and his son Kent, who is happy to see dad join him in Heaven. 

Larry enjoyed morning coffee at City Café and Tumbleweed and his Wednesday night supper with friends.