Rod McCumber

Rodney Ray McCumber, age 71, passed away on March 28, 2026, at home, in Atkinson Nebraska. Rod was born in Bassett, on January 5, 1955, to Harley and Marie (Wilcox) McCumber of Brocksburg. After the passing of his father in 1964, the family moved to Atkinson, where he attended grade school, and later graduated from West Holt High School in 1973. After Graduation, he began ranching and had a carpentry business. He met Juli McCumber (Koci) of Chambers, and they were married in 1984. Sons, Brady and Cory were born in 1986 and 1988. He became a very proud Grandpa in October of 2025, to Lennon Jane McCumber. He held and loved her every chance he got, and she was the main reason he fought so hard for more time this last year. He was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2012, and fought many years through several surgeries, radiation and chemo.

Rod enjoyed spending time on the ranch with his boys, checking cattle in the pastures, calving out cows and putting up hay for many years. Rod was a talented carpenter, and helped build many homes (32), shops and buildings in his lifetime. Rod enjoyed evenings spent in the company of his sons, usually on the patio, underneath the shade tree, red beer in hand. He also loved a good game of Euchre or Pitch, with friends who stopped by or during the Holidays with Family. Rod was loved by many, and was known for his gentle, quiet kindness. He was soft-spoken, humble and always willing to lend a hand. He will be greatly missed by many family and friends.

Rod is survived by Wife, Juli McCumber of Atkinson. Sons, Brady McCumber of Stuart and Cory McCumber and Wife, Amelia, of Atkinson. Grandchild, Lennon McCumber. Siblings, Elaine (Jim) Poessnecker of Stuart, Rhonda (John) Skrdla of Stuart, Jan McGrath of Atkinson, Myra (Mike) Schmaderer of Lincoln, Dan (Karla) McCumber of Joliet Montana, Penny Schaaf of Lincoln, Greg (Laurie) Hansen of Amelia, Lana (Ryan) Dummer of Aurora. Mother-in-law, Sylvia Koci, of Chambers. Sister-in Laws, Anita Johnson of Howells, Joan (Don) Denker of O'Neill, and many nieces, nephews and friends. Rod was preceded in Death by his Parents, Harley and Marie, Step-Father John Hansen, Brother Tim McCumber and father-in-law Bob Koci.

Memorials may be made to the Atkinson Fire and Rescue Department or to the family for later designation.