Jerry Bigbee age 87, of Broken Bow, NE passed away on September 11, 2026, at the Callaway District Hospital.
Memorial Services will be held on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at 10:30 AM at the United Methodist Church in Broken Bow. Burial will follow in the Broken Bow Cemetery with Military Honors. Memorials are suggested to Broken Bow United Methodist Church or Custer Masonic Lodge #148. A visitation and time to greet the family will be held on Friday, September 18th, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Govier Brothers Mortuary. Govier Brothers Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. Online words of remembrance or condolences may be left at govierbrothers.com
Jerry Wayne Bigbee, age 87, of Broken Bow, Nebraska, passed away surrounded by the love of family and friends. Jerry was born on February 15, 1939, in Wilmore, Kansas, to Ray E. Bigbee and Esther Irene (Ferrin) Bigbee. He was the youngest of five children and was born in the family home.
In 1948, Jerry’s family moved to Merna, Nebraska. He attended East Table Country School and entered Merna High School in the seventh grade, graduating with the Class of 1957.
Jerry proudly served his country in the United States Army. He enlisted in November 1960 and served two years of active duty, followed by two years in the active reserves and two years in the inactive reserves. He completed basic training and General Supply School at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, followed by Signal Corps Supply School at Fort Gordon, Georgia. He was then assigned to the 56th Artillery Brigade based out of Fort Devens, Massachusetts. Stationed in New Britain, Connecticut, Jerry served with the Signal Corps “Birdie” Battery, maintaining radar and electronic equipment associated with the Missile Master defense system. He was honorably released from active duty at Fort Hamilton, New York, in November 1962 and received his final discharge papers on October 31, 1966.
On August 25, 1963, Jerry married the love of his life, Darlene Mae Cantrell, at the Evangelical United Brethren Church. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, and community. They lived near Merna until 1965 before moving to the Brainard place. From 1963 to 1965, Jerry also drove a school bus for the Merna School District. Jerry and Darlene shared 43 years of marriage before Darlene’s passing on October 19, 2006.
Jerry farmed and ranched full-time near Merna until 1984. After moving to Broken Bow that year, he began a second career as a rural mail carrier while continuing to ranch. He faithfully served postal patrons for 22 years and was a proud member of the National Rural Letter Carriers Association.
A dedicated servant to his community, Jerry was active in numerous civic and fraternal organizations. He joined the Masonic Lodge in 1960, fulfilling a lifelong dream. Floyd Gransinger sponsored his membership. Jerry became a member of the Order of the Eastern Star in 1963, joined the York Rite in 1982, and was a member of the Scottish Rite. He especially enjoyed sharing his Masonic journey with his son Dan when they joined the Scottish Rite together. Since 1983, he was an active member of the Loup Valley Shrine Club. Jerry was also a member of the American Legion and Disabled American Veterans.
Jerry devoted countless hours to youth and education. He served as a church youth group leader for many years, sponsored two Washington, D.C., Citizenship Trips, and assisted local youth as Assistant Scoutmaster for Troop 48. He also served his community as a member of the Prairie Hills School Board.
Faith remained an important part of Jerry’s life. He became a member of the United Methodist Church on April 9, 1946, and continued his commitment to church and community throughout his life.
Jerry enjoyed working with wood, caring for dogs, raising Red Angus and Hereford cattle, collecting coins, and restoring and collecting International tractors. He treasured the friendships and fellowship that came through his many activities and organizations.
Jerry is survived by his children, Susan (Kevin) Kohlscheen, Cindy (Larry) Wilke, and Dan (Anne) Bigbee; grandchildren Ashlee (Brandon) Rumery-Fix, Alecs (Steph) Rumery, Lucas (Camie) Wilke, Lathan Wilke, Brigitt (Brad) Bigbee, Baylee Bigbee, Jerron Bigbee, and Jerney (Cami) Bigbee, Lydia Kohlscheen, and Madeline (Nate) Estergaard; numerous great-grandchildren; and many other family members and friends who will cherish his memory.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Esther Bigbee; his beloved wife, Darlene; his son, James Bigbee; his dear friend, Alice Ostrand; and other family members who welcomed him into eternal rest.
Jerry will be remembered for his steadfast faith, devotion to family, service to his country, dedication to his community, and the quiet strength and kindness he shared with everyone he met. His legacy lives on through the family he loved the community he served, and the example he set for future generations.
“Well done, good and faithful servant.” Matthew 25:23.
