Alan James Daffer

Alan James Daffer passed away from this earth on Wednesday, May 8, 2019, in the care of our heavenly Father and the Cambridge Hospital staff.  He was 93.  Alan was born August 25, 1925, to Elmer and Helen Daffer on a farm east of Lebanon, Nebraska. Alan grew up and attended school in nearby Danbury, and soon thereafter began farming in Lebanon.  One of his most prideful moments was when he was given two mules, and from there his life commitment was dedicated to farming and family.

Alan was drafted into the army and served in the 216th Chemical Corp, during the Korean War.  Shortly after returning home from the army service, Alan rejoined his family and the farm.  He continued right where he left off - tending his crops, livestock, and enjoying the outdoors.  Alan married Arvilla Janousek, and they had two sons, Wayne Daffer and Kevin Daffer.  Alan took great pride being a father, farmer and rancher.  With his boys by his side, he taught them to tend the ranch with tenacity and a strong work ethic.  He enjoyed every moment he spent with his family and raising his sons in Southeast Red Willow county.  In addition to his farming passion, Alan loved and was loved by many family members and friends.

In 1978, Alan married Frances (Knepp) Hall in Wilsonville, Nebraska, increasing his family by two more sons, Stan Hall and Keith Hall, and a daughter, Russet Rogers.  Alan had a wonderful life doing exactly what he loved.  He left behind numerous family and friends, who always complimented him on his kindness and compassion for others.  Alan retired from farming and ranching in 2000 and moved to Indianola, Nebraska.

Alan was a devout Christian, and always made time for church. He was a member of the Danbury Church and thereafter the Indianola United Methodist Church upon his retirement.  Alan seldom missed a service and sang in the church choir.  He so enjoyed singing, and sing he did, in every situation offered.  He also enjoyed flying and took several lessons until convinced by is pilot son, Wayne Daffer, to hang up his wings.  Alan enjoyed traveling.  Once retired, he and Frances would often be seen in his camper traveling the country and Canada.  They traveled all the states except Alaska.  Alan went as far as Australia with his son, Wayne.

In June 2015, Alan moved to the Tri Valley Assisted Living facility before passing on May 8, 2019.

Alan was preceded in death by his brother Robert Daffer; sisters, Beatrice Wilson and Margaret Reagan.

Alan is survived by his wife, Frances Daffer of Cambridge; son, Wayne and wife, Kym Daffer of Leawood, Kansas; and their children, Erin and Angie Daffer; son Kevin Daffer and Sharon Murray of Austin, Texas and his children, Brian and Kathryn Daffer; stepson, Stan and his wife, Laura Hall of San Antonio, Texas and their children, Andy Hendrix and Brandy Hughes; stepson, Keith and wife, Jacque Hall of Central Point, Oregon and their children, Mitch Fox and Adam Kellogg; stepdaughter, Russet and husband, David Rogers of Fayetteville, North Carolina and their son, Austin Hambrick; sister in law, Marie Daffer of McCook, Nebraska, and eight step great grandchildren.

Memorials may be given to the United Methodist Church of Indianola, Nebraska or the American Legion Jack Helt Post 313 of Lebanon, Nebraska.

Memorial Services will be on Saturday, June 15, 2019, at 2:00 P.M. at the United Methodist Church of Indianola, Nebraska with Reverend David Kim officiating. Interment will follow in the Indianola Cemetery.  Lockenour-Jones Mortuary has been entrusted with the arrangements. Words of comfort may be sent to the family at lockenourfh.com

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