Richard D. "Rick" Coons

Richard D. “Rick” Coons, 64, of Kearney, Nebraska, formerly of Callaway, passed away on Thursday, July 28, 2022, at Mary Lanning Healthcare in Hastings, Nebraska.

Richard was born on May 17, 1958, in Whitesburg, Kentucky to Gerald and Janette (Waltz) Coons. Gerald and Janette made their way to Callaway, Nebraska where Richard attended Callaway high school. During his high school years, he worked at Jerry’s Tavern. He graduated from Callaway High School in 1976 and went on to receive his Bachelor’s Degree in Education from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Following graduation, Richard would go on to teach and coach football at Wynot and Wymore, Nebraska as well as Oberlin, Kansas. Following his time teaching he made his way to Gibbon, Nebraska where he worked for the dietary staff at the nursing home before moving back to Callaway. In 2003, Richard was asked by a friend to come join his staff at his new restaurant in Kearney called Pane Bello. In 2012, Richard decided to permanently move to Kearney after his mother passed away. Pane Bello would eventually close and was later replaced by Panera Bread, where Richard continued working till, he became ill in 2019.

Richard was a history buff who loved watching sci-fi movies, playing computer games, and daily reading of the Omaha World Herald, keeping up with the latest news and sports. He enjoyed the Nebraska Huskers, and could tell you all the years how the Huskers played. He also greatly enjoyed working in his flower garden and crafts, working on plastic canvases, and taught himself to crochet.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents.

Survivors include his brothers, Ronald (Mary) Coons of Bowling Green, Kentucky, and Randall "Bowser" (Tami) Coons of Callaway; as well as nieces, nephew, extended family and friends.

There will be no visitation, as the family is honoring Rick’s wish for cremation. Burial will be held at a later date at Rose Hill Cemetery in Callaway.

A memorial has been established in Rick’s honor, and kindly suggested to the family for later designation.

Timm-Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Callaway is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences with the family by visiting: reynoldslovefunerahome.com