Neal "Nick" Gay, 75, of Columbus, Nebraska, died Monday, February 28, 2022, at his home in Columbus.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, March 5, at Gass Haney Funeral Home with VA Chaplain Sid Bruggeman officiating. Visitation will be on Saturday, from 9:30 AM until service time, also at the funeral home. Immediately following the service, all are invited to a lunch/gathering at the VFW in Columbus, prior to the interment. Interment will be at 2:00 PM on Saturday, in the Bureau Cemetery at Pierce Chapel, rural Clarks, Nebraska, with military honors by the American Legion Hartman Post 84. Memorials may be directed to the Columbus VFW Post #3704.

Neal Leon Gay was born on November 8, 1946, in Marquette, Nebraska, to Lyle and Loretta (Hansher) Gay. He attended school in Columbus and then went to work for Union Pacific Railroad. On December 31, 1966, he was united in marriage to Connie Hayes in Columbus. Nick entered the United States Navy on April 18, 1966. He served on active duty during Vietnam, until 1969, then entered the Navy Reserves, retiring from the Reserves in January of 1998. After his active-duty military service, Nick went back to work for Union Pacific Railroad, retiring in 2006, after 40 years of employment. In retirement, he started his own consulting company, serving the Railroad industry.

Nick was a very sociable person who loved to spend time with friends and family, especially his beloved grandchildren. He would help anyone who needed a hand and enjoyed golfing and playing cards with his buddies. Nick was very involved with the VFW, helping to put flags out for holidays, and serving as post commander (1984-1985) of the local chapter. He was also a 46 year member of The American Legion.

Nick is survived by:
Wife: Connie Gay of Columbus, NE
Son: Troy (Sarah) Gay of Tamuning, Guam
Grandchildren: Eliston & Oliver
Son: Brett (Robyn) Gay of Nebraska City, NE
Grandchildren: Althea, Vivian, Caroline, Eloise, Everett, Francesca, & Henry
Daughter: Holly (Nathan) Gaebel of Lincoln, NE
Grandchildren: Jack, Nora, & Edie

Nick was preceded in death by:
Parents: Lyle & Loretta Gay
Parents-in-law: Robert & Althea Hayes
Brother-in-law: Robert Hayes Jr.