Leonard Mccomas

Leonard Mitchell McComas, one of five children of Leonard and Pearl (Newton) McComas, was born May 15, 1931 in Auburn, Nebraska. Leonard, or Mike as he was known, grew up in Brownville and attended Happy Hollow school as a young boy and graduated from Brownville High School. Mike enlisted in the United States Army where he was part of the Infantry, before being honorably discharged in 1954.

On June 5, 1953, Mike was united in marriage to Charlotte Reeves in Nebraska City. The couple was blessed with a daughter, Pam. The couple made their home in Brownville.

Mike held several occupations throughout his life. He started as a painter, painting with his father-in-law, to being a material spreader and cutter at the Danny Dare sewing factory, and then on to working as a meat cutter at the MBPXL Packing House for nearly 15 years until its closing. Before retiring, Mike worked on barges on the Missouri River for a number of years and as a custodian for Peru State College.

Mike attended the Brownville Christian Church, where Charlotte was a member. He belonged to the American Legion Post #23 of Auburn. Mike enjoyed picking apples at Kennedy Orchard, and always freed up his schedule when it came time for picking. Mike was an outdoorsman and loved to fish and hunt. He hunted anything from ducks to mushrooms, and loved to fish for carp and catfish. Mike made all of his own nets used for fishing, and even made his own needles to make his nets.

Surrounded by family, Mike passed away at his home on April 10, 2013, having reached the age of 81 years, 10 months, 26 days. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Survivors include his wife Charlotte of Auburn; daughter Pam and husband Larry Helmick of Auburn; grandchildren Jason Helmick of Council Bluffs, IA, Natisha Winkelman of Brownville; great-grandchildren Kataleena Helmick and Adde Winkelman; other relatives and many friends.

Funeral services were Saturday, April 13, 2013 at Hemmingsen Funeral Home in Auburn, officiated by Rev. Bob Chitwood. Jody Anderson was pianist and accompanist, and Rev. Bob and Pat Chitwood sang a duet. Pallbearers were Marty Hayes, Charlie Hummel, Jason Helmick, Gary Maddox, Bob Engles, Rick Janssen, and Phil Walker. Honorary bearers were Gerald Cook, Earl Reeves, Corky Jones, Buck Jones, Larry Chapin, Eldon Kistner, Tom Rudloff, Martin Hansen, Clay Kennedy, and Jay Tallmon. Teresa Walker, Allison Hayes, and Mabel Garber served as flower attendants. Burial was in the Walnut Grove Cemetery at Brownville, with graveside military honors by American Legion Post #23 of Auburn and the Nebraska National Guard Honor Guard.