Larry Allen Hickenbottom

1938 - 2024

Larry Allen Hickenbottom, 86, passed away Nov. 16, 2024, at Jennie Melham Medical Center in Broken Bow, Neb.

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

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 three terms as sheriff. One of his proudest accomplishments was to organize the Custer County Sheriffs Posse in 1975. With the help of posse members from every corner of the county, a posse could be capable of handling all varieties of disasters.

Larry owned and operated several businesses in Broken Bow such as a Sinclair gas station and 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 include overseeing the building a new Health and Human Services building and new Justice Center. Zoning was implemented during this period as well as 911, road signage and 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.

Oct. 14, 1958, Larry married 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"; two granddaughters Abbie and Anna Hickenbottom; daughter-in-law Lanette of Oklahoma; step-grandchildren Zachery Weaver of North Dakota and Brandi Weaver of Louisiana; two nieces Valerie and Celeste; two nephews Barney and Michael and their families in Georgia; brother-in-law Sherman (Louella) Porter; sister-in-law Roma Porter of Broken Bow; "special daughter" Elaine Johnson; very special cousins, "The Smith Girls," Frances, Karrie, Janet, Barbara and Joan of Washington; and numerous nieces and nephews of California and Colorado.

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

Larry enjoyed meeting with his morning coffee groups and his Wednesday night supper group.

Funeral services are Friday, Nov. 22, at 2 p.m. at Govier Brothers Mortuary in Broken Bow with Darrell Sybrant officiating. Burial will be in the Broken Bow Cemetery.

Visitation will be Thursday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. with the family greeting friends 5-6 p.m. at Govier Brothers.

Words of encouragement and remembrance can be left at www.govierbrothers.com

Memorials are suggested to the Broken Bow Ambulance.