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IN LOVING MEMORY OF
Wendell B.
Rivers
July 6, 1928 – May 9, 2009
Obituary
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FUNERAL SERVICES FOR
Wendell B. Rivers Age - 80 7/6/1928 - 5/9/2009 Seward, NE - San Antonio, TX Funeral Service 10:30 A.M. Tuesday, May 19, 2009 United Methodist Church 1400 North 5th Street Seward, Nebraska Officiant: Rev. Lee Johnson INTERMENT Seward Cemetery North Highway 15 Seward, NE Full Military Honors Signing of Remembrance Book No viewing 1:00 - 8:30 P.M., Monday, May 18, 2009 at Zabka Funeral Home Seward, NE MEMORIALS Vitas Innovative Hospice Care 8109 Fredericksburg Road San Antonio, TX 78229 or to Cancer Research and Development American Cancer Society |
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Today, America lost one of its greatest heroes; a man of unwavering honor, immutable commitment, keen intelligence and an abiding love for his country, God and family. A true leader, Wendell (Wendy to his friends) was respected and admired by all who knew him. Wendy was born on July 06, 1928 in Seward, Nebraska to Clayton Comings Rich Rivers (a rural mail carrier) and Florence Lucille Hoobler Rivers (a schoolteacher) and was the eldest of four children. He graduated from Seward High School, class of 1946 and enlisted in the U.S. Navy; received his appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy and graduated Class of 1952. Wendell was trained as a naval aviator and completed his education at the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School. He served in both the Korean and Vietnam conflicts. He deployed on his last cruise to Vietnam in 1964, aboard the USS Coral Sea; was captured in North Vietnam on September 10, 1965 and released on February 12, 1973. Wendy's inspiration and leadership were key to maintaining morale, discipline and hope among the P.O.W.s. His intelligence, commitment, optimism and absolute determination to return to his beloved country ensured he was widely respected. During his distinguished career, he earned many awards, the most significant of which are: the Silver Star, the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, and the Distinguished Flying Cross Air Medal. After 27 years of service, Capt. Rivers retired from the Navy on December 31, 1976 and enjoyed a second career as a long-haul truck driver for another 20 years. Wendy was a member of the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Assoc. and a lifetime member of the VFW of Seward, NE. He gave of his time, energy and donations to many more organizations. In 1980 he was reacquainted with his high school sweetheart, Betty Hagemoser Pettijohn, and they were married on July 2, 1981. He is predeceased by his parents; son, Stephen (Clay) Rivers (2005); brother, Roland B. Rivers (1990); and sister, Phyllis M. Johnson (2006). Wendy leaves behind his beloved wife of nearly 28 years, Betty H. Rivers; two children from a previous marriage - daughter, C.Gex Morgan; son, Stewart B. Rivers (Debra); stepson, David F. Pettijohn; stepdaughter, Darcy L. Osborne (Ron); brother, Leslie D. Rivers (Judy); brother-in-law, Robert Johnson; sister-in-law, Priscilla Rivers; ten grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. A grateful nation mourns the loss of one of its very finest men. We are safer today because of dedicated heroes like Wendy who ensure our freedom. His superior standards of ethics and service; honor, dependability, intelligence and good nature made him easy to love. We will cherish his memory, and miss him every day of our lives. |
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