Richard F. Gaver, 77, of Columbus, Nebraska, died Saturday, December 23, 2023, at the Methodist Hospital in Omaha, Nebraska.

The funeral service will be held on Saturday, December 30, 2023, at 10:00 AM, at St. Luke's UCC in Columbus with Rev. Adam Lassen officiating.  Interment will be in Columbus Cemetery.  Visitation will be on Friday from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM at Gass Haney Funeral Home and continue Saturday from 9:00 AM until service time at the church.   There will be a family prayer service at 9:45 AM on Saturday at the church.   Memorials are suggested as those of the donor or family choice.

Richard was born September 11, 1946, in Columbus, Nebraska, to Milton and Agnes "Bette" (Criss) Gaver.  He attended Columbus Public Schools and graduated from Columbus High School in 1965.  He attended the Grand Island School of Business.  Richard worked at Behlen Manufacturing, Glur's Tavern, Cuzzin's Corner, and was a sportswriter for the Columbus Telegram.  He also worked at the Liquor Mart, Micek's Avenue Bar, Apogee, Spirit Shop, and most recently at Fast Mart.  He was a member of the Columbus Kiwanis Club, a member of the Columbus High School Hall of Fame, enjoyed Columbus High sporting events, the New York Yankees (catching a foul ball during a game), and the Nebraska Cornhuskers.  He was honored by Columbus High School for his sports writing, and his support for Legion Baseball.  Richard was a lifelong member of St. Luke's UCC where he sang in the choir for years.

Richard is survived by:
Brother – Brian Gaver of Britton, SD
Niece – Michelle (Kevin) Ainsworth of Columbus, NE
Niece – Terri Lynn Gaver of Columbus, NE
Nephew – Troy (Kim) Gaver of Columbus, NE
2 great nieces
2 great nephews
1 great-great niece
2 great-great nephews

Richard was preceded in death by:
Parents – Milton and Bette Gaver
Brother – Terry (Peg) Gaver
Sisters – Linda DeBower and Joan Gaver