Deborah Lynn McCaig

Deborah Lynn McCaig 77 of Lincoln left to be with Jesus on November 7, 2025, although not without arguing with Him a little bit about His timing. Deb was born August 17, 1948, to Helen and Floyd Brooks of Ogallala. She was one of six active Brooks siblings but considered the Isleys and her stepdad, Donald Peterson, to be family as well. Deb graduated from OHS in 1967 and moved to Paxton after marrying Marvin Suhr on March 9, 1968.

The young couple had two children, Shaylene in 1970 and Shawn in 1971, before Marv died in a tragic boat accident in 1973. Deb and the kids were extremely blessed when she married Lynn McCaig on August 17, 1974. They spent an amazing 51 years together, raising the kids, serving the Paxton community, and eventually traveling and chasing their five grandchildren who really were the light in Deb’s world. Even Deb’s license plate -- BRAKE5 – recognized the importance of Brennan, Regan, Alex, Kaidan and Emily in her life.

Deb worked as the manager of the Paxton Swimming Pool for many summers when the children were little, a position that would lead to her being elected the first female Mayor of Paxton after she helped rebuild the pool. She was actively involved in the Nebraska League of Municipalities, and she was especially proud of her work which included bringing paving and cable TV to the area. She went to cosmetology school when the kids were in junior high and went on to own and operate the Mane Design Beauty Shop in Paxton for more than 20 years. The shop was a social hub for the community and Deb really enjoyed doing football haircuts and prom hair every year.

Deb was a longtime member of Trinity Lutheran Church and served as a Sunday School Teacher and Board Member at different times. She also served as a Hospice volunteer, helped juveniles in the court system as a CASA volunteer, and sorted clothing at a drop-off site in Ogallala. Pets were always a part of the household, and she most recently had Schnauzers named Isaac and Kernel who were favorites.

She loved to travel. Highlights of her life included a Disney cruise with the grandkids to celebrate Lynn’s retirement and cruises she and Lynn took with their siblings. As the grandchildren grew there were frequent trips including weekends at dance recitals, concerts, and swimming meets. They followed the grandkids to places like Las Vegas, Seattle, and North Carolina for activities and still went on family vacations when the opportunity allowed.

Deb was preceded in death by her first husband Marv, parents, her sister Sharyl Pankonin and her husband Dennis, brother-in-law Clinton McQueen, nephew Mark McQueen, brother-in-law Lyal McCaig and his wife Judy, sister-in-law Donna Stahl and her husband Verlyn, nephews Mike and Steve Stahl, and brother-in-law Darrell Farnsworth. She is survived by her husband Lynn, children Shaylene and Mike Smith of Crete and Shawn and Melissa Suhr of Gretna, grandchildren Brennan Kolbo and fiance’ Boston, Regan Kolbo, Alex Suhr and fiancé Nolan, Kaidan Smith, and Emily Suhr; siblings Brad (Sheryl) Brooks, Sondra Sharkey, Brian Brooks, and Jan Davis; sisters-in-law Doris Farnsworth, Bonnie (Bill) Wendland, Marlene (Leo) Griffiths, and Leone (Lendon) Thompson; and honorary sister Vickie (Mike) Malmkar. She also leaves many nephews and nieces and her newest puppy, Trooper.

Services and family connections will be Monday November 10th. The family will welcome visitors at Trinity Lutheran Church in Paxton from 10:30 a.m. to noon.  A Celebration of Life will be at Trinity Lutheran Church at 2:00 p.m. with burial to follow at the Paxton cemetery. (All times are Mountain time) Memorials are suggested to Trinity Lutheran Church or to the family for future designation.

Online Condolences may be left www.drauckerfh.com

Services will not be livestreamed

Draucker Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements