Roland Ernest Inman, 89, of Bridgeport, passed away at his home on July 22, 2021. Roland “Ron” was born on November 23, 1931 to Cecil and Helen (Beaver) Inman at a farmhouse in Morrill County, Nebraska. As was common for farming families at the time, he attended country schools through the 8th grade.
In 1952 he entered the Army and served in the Korean War with special training in artillery and vehicle mechanics. After his honorable discharge from the military, he worked in oil fields and then at auto dealerships as a mechanic and shop foreman.
On February 20th, 1970 he married Evelyn Williamson. Shortly thereafter he completed a 2 year specialized course in refrigeration and air conditioning. He and Evelyn then formed their business – Inman Services – to provide the Bridgeport and surrounding communities with heating, cooling, and refrigeration installation and repair services.
Because their home phone was also their business phone, their daughter Alice grew up learning to answer the phone “Inman Services” and to take strictly accurate messages. Roland connected their phone to a loud outside bell so they could work in the yard or garden without missing any calls – a dilemma that has been eliminated with the advent of cell phones.
In the late 1980s Roland and Evelyn bought the local laundromat, ensuring that Bridgeport continued to have this local service available. It was a special treat for their daughter and son-in-law to be able to finish up a week of visiting by getting the laundry for their family of 4 boys done in a mere hour and a half and then arrive back home with NO dirty laundry!
Family stories were frequently recounted at holiday gatherings. Favorites revolved around the mischief of the Inman children, including the time when Roland and his brother Norman (ages 11 and 12) drove their father’s Model A car while their parents were in town buying groceries – only to get “told on” by a neighbor. These boys also enjoyed teasing their sister Loretta – who loved rocking chairs – telling her that since she hoed beans slower than they did, they were going to place a rocking chair at the end of the row of beans for her. The story of Roland being so upset at the news of his sister Wanda’s birth that he set their haystack on fire still ignites howls of laughter.
This rambunctiousness ironed itself out over time and all Roland’s siblings became close, cherishing time spent together. His sister Wanda, who lives nearby, continued to spend quality time with Roland, enjoying cleaning parties and sleep-overs – most recently this past 4th of July when she treated him to spare ribs and her famous potato salad that can only be eaten if it’s “hot enough” outside (a long time family joke)! How appropriate it is that their relationship that was initially ignited with a haystack fire concluded with a shared 4th of July fireworks celebration!
Roland was a beloved member of the Bridgeport community – soft-spoken, kind, patient, and loving to so many people. He spent years as the financial and medical coordinator for one of his cousins. Ron was also a caretaker for others who needed help, whether it be a ride to a medical appointment or help in fixing things. He regularly enjoyed solving mechanical puzzles, meeting his buddies at coffee time, and eating Sunday meals with Don and Arlene Kelso who are dear family friends. Ron was on the Board of the Villa and he helped do apartment inspections and repairs right up until his death.
Roland was preceded in death by his parents, Cecil and Helen Inman, his brother, Norman Inman, and wife Evelyn.
He is survived by his sisters Darlene Randall of Decatur, AL, Loretta Truitt of Dalhart, TX, and Wanda (Delbert) Harshberger of Torrington, WY; sister-in-law Marilyn Inman of Salt Lake City, UT; daughter Alice (Matthew) May of Cambridge, IA; step-son Bob (Jay Nelson) Robertson Bellevue, NE; Grandchildren Field Roland (Randi) May of Norfolk, NE, Paige Richard May (AJ Ostlund) of Babbitt, MN, Josiah Brendan (Lindsey) May of Plainview, NE, and Benjamin Matthew May of Cambridge, IA; great-grandchildren: Cai, Evelyn “Evie”, Jaden, Owen, Charlotte, and Billie; many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
A memorial fund is being created to continue the support Roland provided his neighbors (rides to medical appointments, etc). Memorials can be sent to: The Roland and Evelyn Inman Villa Assistance Fund, Camp Clark Villa, 310 West 5th Street, #15, Bridgeport, NE 69336
Due to Covid precautions, the funeral service will be limited to graveside services. The family requests that masks be worn for the loving protection of the vulnerable. A Graveside service will be held at Oregon Trail Memorial Cemetery in Bridgeport at 9 am on Thursday August 5, 2021 with Pastor Jonathan Seng officiating. Military Honors will be rendered by the Nebraska National Guard Honor Guard and the Bridgeport Sons Of the American Legion Honor Guard. Online condolences may be left at www.bridgeportmemorialchapel.com
