Lewis W. Fagot, 97 years of age, of Holdrege, (formerly of Bertrand), died on Sunday, Feb. 23, 2014 at Christian Homes Care Community in Holdrege.

Funeral Services for Lewis W. Fagot will be conducted on Thursday, Feb. 27, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. at Hope Lutheran Church of rural Smithfield, with Reverend Tim Glendening officiating.

Visitation will be Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2014 at the Sandstorm Funeral Home in Bertrand from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with the family greeting from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Interment will be in Hope Lutheran Church Cemetery in Gosper County, with Military Honors provided by the Bertrand Veterans Organization in conjunction with the United States Army Military Honor Guard.

He was born Oct. 30, 1916 northwest of Lexington, where he spent the early years of his life. Lewis was the eldest of seven children born to William and Mary (Gillett) Fagot. He received his education from Lexington Public Schools, graduating from Lexington High School with the class of 1935. He worked in Lexington at various jobs, and it was at one of those jobs when he met his future wife, Verna Bredenkamp. The couple was united in marriage on Jan. 7, 1941 in Denver, Colo. Shortly after that, in 1942 he was inducted into the United States Army and proudly served our country in the Philippines during WWII. Returning to Lexington in 1945, he again went to work, this time at Dawson County Motors, where he eventually became the shop foreman. In 1953, he had the opportunity to go back to farming, so they left Lexington and moved about 20 miles southeast, continuing to farm until his retirement in 1982. Lewis and Verna retired to Bertrand and eventually to Holdrege in later years. On Dec. 24, 2008 he was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Verna.

Lewis was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather and will be missed. He was a friend to many and loved to visit with friends and family, and play cards whenever he could. His last years were spent in Holdrege at Chrisoma West, making new friends and enjoying going out to eat and visiting family. He was a member of Hope Lutheran Church for over 60 years, where he served in many capacities including Sunday school teacher.

He leaves to mourn his passing; his daughter, Deb (Dan) Jensen of Johnson Lake; son, Kevin (Nancy) Bredenkamp of Hastings; four grandchildren, Brandon (Michele) of Aurora, Colo., Kimberley (Chris) Beddow of Parker, Colo., Morgan and Colton Bredenkamp of Hastings; and three great-grandchildren: Lewis, Nolan and Anders Beddow. Lewis is also survived by his sister, Louise Roe of Fairfield Bay, Ark.; brother, Don (Marilyn) Fagot of Sun City West, Ariz.; sister-in-law, Naomi Fagot of Lexington; and a host of nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.

Besides his wife and parents; he was preceded in death by two brothers: Warren and Alfred; and sisters: Ethel and Evelyn.

A memorial has been established in his memory and kindly suggested to the Hope Lutheran Church, or the donor’s choice.

Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com

The Sandstrom Funeral Home in Bertrand is in charge of the arrangements.