David Yale Hunt

David Yale Hunt, 65, of Fairbury Nebraska, passed away peacefully, Saturday June 17, 2023, at The Heritage Care Center in Fairbury.  He was born November 2, 1957, in McCook Nebraska, to Donald and Betty (Tilley) Hunt.  He attended Palisade Public Schools, from Kindergarten through Senior Year, graduating in 1976.  David was diagnosed with Juvenal Diabetes at the age of 8.  Even with his diagnosis, he enjoyed sports such as Basketball, Baseball, Football, and Track, lettering in Basketball and Football.  He was also very involved in many school clubs, such as Student Council, World Affairs Club, Speech and Drama, Chorus and Boys Glee Club, Letterman's Club, Art, and National Honor Society.  He was a Class Officer and, on the Honor Roll all 4 years of High School.  His popularity preceded him, and everyone who knew him, referred to him as "Sugar" due to his Diabetes.

After graduation, David had several jobs, including working in the oil fields and driving a cement truck.  After a couple of years of working and saving money, he then moved to Sterling Colorado, where he attended Sterling Technical College for 1 year studying Auto Mechanics. Around the age of 21, he moved back to Palisade, and held various different jobs, including being a Plumbers Apprentice in McCook.  He decided at 22, that the big city was calling again, and moved in with some friends in Denver Colorado.  After a couple years there, he began to have issues with his eyesight and moved back to Palisade to be close to family.  His only son, Yale, was born in May 1983, and they lived in Palisade until David began losing his kidney function and had to move to Lincoln to be closer to doctors.  He would finally lose his eyesight at the age of 25 and then attended The Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired in Lincoln.  He had his first kidney transplant at the age of 30, and then his second kidney, along with a pancreas transplant, in May of 1990 at the age of 32.

He married Donna Cerveny on August 18, 1990, in Lincoln.  David and Donna lived in Lincoln where they enjoyed remodeling their 2 homes. David loved "fixer-uppers" as he was quite handy and had learned carpentry and woodworking from his mother.  They loved spending time with family and friends, but also enjoyed quiet nights at home with their beloved kitties.  He was a self-taught (by ear) guitarist and pianist and played lead guitar and sung in a band with his brother, Rodney and friends for several years in Lincoln, Omaha, and surrounding area.

David started his vending machine company in 1994 in the Nebraska State Office Building.  During this time, he was involved in the the "Randolph-Sheppard" act, and made sure other blind vendors had their opportunities as well.  He then expanded his business to open the Cafeteria in the State Office Building, opening in September 2001. He ran the business alongside his sister, Valerie.  During this time, in late 2005, he was diagnosed with cancer, and would undergo 8 chemo treatments, and would eventually go into remission.  David retired in November 2009, and he and Donna moved to Fairbury in June 2010.

While enjoying retirement, David began writing his now published books, about his youth growing up in Palisade.  He still played guitar and enjoyed going to several area venues in Fairbury to play.  He loved spending time with his beloved wife, their kitties, and all his family.

David was preceded in death by his only son, Yale David Hunt.  Parents, Donald and Betty (Tilley) Hunt, and his Grandparents.  He is survived by his wife, Donna (Cerveny) Hunt of Fairbury Nebraska, Brother Rodney and wife Laura of Palisade Nebraska, Sister Valerie (Hunt) and husband Jim Veach of Malmo Nebraska. Sister-in-Law Joyce Phares of Fairbury Nebraska. Brother-in-law Roger Cerveny of Fairbury Nebraska. Brother-in-Law Elden and wife Marty Cerveny of Las Vegas Nevada. Many Nieces and Nephews, and his beloved kitties Tigger and Tinker.

Services will be Saturday, June 24, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at Gerdes-Meyer Chapel. David will be laid to rest in the Fairbury Cemetery, Fairbury Nebraska. Memorials will go to the Juvenile Diabetes, Assoc. or Lied Transplant Center. Gerdes-Meyer Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements. www.gerdesmeyerfh.com