Willard Way

Willard Wayne Way Willard "Bill" Wayne Way, 86 of Mead, NE passed away Friday, March 22, 2024 at Fremont Methodist Health in Fremont, NE. He was born January 6, 1938 in Richland, NE to Clarence and Lucille (Harris) Way. As a child he lived in several towns in Nebraska. He lived with his parents in Rising City, NE until he joined the U.S. Army. He served from 1955 to 1959 and was stationed in the United States, France, and Germany. After his military service he returned to Rising City and worked for Behlen Manufacturing in Columbus, NE. In 1960 he moved to Cheyenne, WY where he worked for Greyhound as a mechanic. He married Judy Bernt in Cheyenne, from this union, three children were born, Stephen, Sheila, and Stewart. In 1974 he transferred to Omaha where he finished 32 years with Greyhound. He then went to work at Werner Enterprises for 16 years as a trailer shop foreman before retiring. Bill and his family settled in Mead, NE and was an honorary member of the Mead Fire Department. For many years he helped an area farmer and he also transported vehicles for his friend, Robie at Raider Nation. Bill was a kindhearted person and was always willing to help anyone. Bill enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his two great-grandsons, Carson and Lane. He loved fishing with his children on their boat. His hobbies included watching Westerns, word search puzzles, playing solitary daily, tinkering in the garage, going to garage sales, and driving his Farmall tractor during the Mead Days parades. Bill is survived by his wife of 62 years, Judy Way; daughter, Sheila Way; sons, Stephen Way, Stuart (Tammy) Way; sister, Sue Meyers; brother, Lee Way; grandchildren, Anthony (Martha) Push, Christine (Gary) Hollst, Christopher and Andrew Way; great-grandsons, Carson and Lane Hollst; many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Lucille Way; sister, Darlene Jens; brothers, Ray and Clarence Lynn Way; parents-in-law, Walter and Ina Bernt; sister-in-law, Janet (Hollis) Lillie; nephew, Douglas Girardin. Bill's family wants to thank the Doctors and staff at Fremont Methodist Health hospital for the many days of care. Family and friends graveside service with military honors will take place at Circle Mound Cemetery in Rising City, NE. Memorials in care of the family for future designations. Visit www.marcysvoboda.com to leave condolences.