George Robbins Day, 91, Lincoln, died peacefully Saturday (8/9/08) after a long and full life. He was born in Lincoln 8/5/1917 where he attended school and graduated from Lincoln High in 1934. He attended Antioch College in Ohio, where he earned a BS degree in chemistry in 1939. When WWII began, he volunteered for duty in the Navy and served as a carrier based dive-bomber and fighter pilot, earning the Distinguished Flying Cross for valor during action in the Philippines. He remained an active private pilot until he was 83. He married Barbara Anne Deweese, whom he had known since childhood because their parents were very good friends, on December 11, 1948 in Lincoln Nebraska,.
During his life he worked primarily as a farm manager, but also as a chemist, a civil engineering project manager, and a business entrepreneur. His volunteer service to the community included long term membership in the Downtown Sertoma Club, past Chair of the Library Foundation, and past Chair of the Child Guidance Board. He was a member of the Unitarian Church during his entire adult life, where he served in a wide variety of responsible capacities. He was also active in the Cornhusker Ski Club, and was recognized at age 87 as their oldest downhill racer. In later life he routinely participated in the Nebraska Heritage Room Spelling Bee, a fun charitable activity at which he excelled and was twice the local champion. His impromptu toasts, humorous skits and poetry recitations enlivened many family and social gatherings. In addition to his generosity in service with his time, he supported many local causes, including the University of Nebraska Foundation and a variety of community beautification projects.
George is survived by Barbara Deweese Day, his wife of nearly sixty years; daughter Kathy and Mark Elliott, Portland OR; son Larry and Terri Day, Lincoln; son Roger Day, Lincoln; grandchildren Maren and Cameron Elliott; Lindsay Day Knollenberg, Ryan Knollenberg and Nolan Day; Evan and Abbie Day; great-grandson Connor Knollenberg; sister Margaret Anthon, Washington DC; sister-in-law Betty Day, Denver; and many other members of his close and much beloved extended family. Preceded in death by parents Warren “Pat” and Edith Day, brothers Warren “Heavy” Day and Dr. Lewis Day, and sister Helen Heusner.
Services at First Plymouth Congregational Church, 20th and “D” streets, Lincoln, 11:00 AM, Friday, 8/15/08.
Memorials to the Lincoln Parks Foundation for the Union Park beautification project or to the Lincoln Unitarian Foundation. No flowers please.