Cedric "Buck" Priest

Cedric Nohl Priest, commonly known as Buck, was born February 12, 1923 on a farm in Nemaha County. He was the youngest son of James Chester and Emma Katherine (Nohl) Priest. He had 3 brothers, Chester and twins Loren and Lyle. He attended country school for 8 years, graduating from Pleasant Hill in 1936. His first 2 years of high school were spent attending Fairview and completed high school at Sabetha, graduating in 1940. Growing up during the Great Depression Cedric learned lessons in living that carried and sustained him throughout his entire life.

Following high school, he drove a rock truck for ER Price and hauled WPA rock for the Walnut Township.   He attended Frye Aircraft School in Omaha, Nebraska, graduating from there in 1942. He was briefly employed by the Army Air Corp, repairing and maintaining army aircraft until 1943 when he entered the service and became an active part of World War II. Cedric served in Army Air Corp, and was assigned to the 8 ^th Airforce as the lead radio operator on a B 17 Flying Fortress. He flew 31 missions over Europe for which he received numerous medals including the Distinguished Flying Cross.

He returned home to the peace and quiet of farming and met his future bride, Alice Ronnebaum. They were married November, 28, 1951 and were blessed with 4 children.  The next 60 years were spent farming and raising livestock, children and grandchildren. Cedric felt one of his greatest accomplishments was saving his piece of prairie land, stating “You can land an airplane anywhere, but you can’t put down a prairie, only God can. “  Cedric was active in the local VFW, American Legion, DAV, Nemaha Co. Farmer’s Union and National Farmer’s Organization for which he held offices on the county, district and national levels. As a teenager he was a part of the formation of the Pleasant Hill 4-H Club which later became the Busy Jayhawkers 4-H club. His involvement with 4-H continued as his children and grandchildren became actively involved.  Some of his greatest pleasures were attending the numerous activities and events of his beloved grandchildren. He was extremely proud of them all!

Cedric was preceded in death by his father and mother and twin brothers. Survivors include his wife Alice, Margaret (Carl) Haag, Jacob and Abbey, Bill (Kim), Kelly, Kerry, Laura and John, Barbara (Mike) Clowe, Chelsie and Neil, and David.

Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be recited Saturday, October 1, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. at the St. Augustine Catholic Church south of Sabetha. A parish rosary will be recited on Friday evening at 6:30 p.m. with visitation to follow from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Popkess Mortuary Chapel in Sabetha.   The inurnment will be made in the Sabetha Cemetery with full military honors conducted by the V.F.W. Post #7285 of Sabetha. Memorial contributions may be made to the Sabetha Community Hospital or the St. Augustine Catholic Church sent in care of the funeral home.