Dayton Ballentine

    Dayton George Ballentine, age 82, loving husband and father of two children passed away on Dec. 3, 2019 at The Manor in Imperial, Nebraska.
    Dayton was born on May 24, 1937 in Brule to George Donald Ballentine and Laura Catherine (Hardessen) Ballentine.
    Dayton was raised in Brule where he graduated from Brule Public Schools in 1955. He attended University of Nebraska-Lincoln majoring in animal science for 2 years. He then returned home to the family farm and ranch forming George Ballentine and Sons.
    In 1961, he enlisted in the Army where he served for 2 years and was discharged in 1963. He then returned home to the family farm and ranch with his father and brother until his father’s passing in 1969. Then Dayton and his brother Ray formed Ballentine Brothers, Inc. and they farmed and ranched together until 1989.
    Dayton continued to ranch and raise cattle on his own until his retirement in 2016.
    He was united in marriage to Carolyn Beckius on July 17, 1966 in Brule. The couple lived in Brule where they raised two children, Todd and Jill.
    Dayton was actively involved in the cattle industry all of his life. He enjoyed raising cattle, horses and was progressive at doing so. He enjoyed helping others with cattle and served on the Keith County Fairboard for 35 years. He judged cattle shows at the Nebraska State Fair and the National Western Stockshow.
    He was well respected and served on many cattle industry committees. He served on the Brule Public School Board for 13 years.
    Survivors include his wife Carolyn (Beckius) Ballentine of Imperial; two children,  son Todd (Tracy) Ballentine of Hershey and daughter Jill (Monty) Mays of Imperial;  brother Ray of Ogallala; seven grandchildren, Colten and Kinsley Ballentine of Hershey, Kailey Mays of Big Springs, Tiffany (Scott) Way of Imperial, Brady Mays of Wray, Colorado, Tagan and Zane Mays of Imperial.
    He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Shirley (Ballentine) Packard; sister-in law Pat (Olson) Ballentine.
A memorial book signing occurred from 1-3 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 8 at the Draucker Funeral Home Chapel in Ogallala with family greeting friends.
    Memorial services were at 10:30 a.m., Monday, Dec. 9 at Imperial Berean Church with Pastor Matt Maxwell officiating.
    Lunch at church followed services. Family and friends  were invited to Jill and Monty Mays’ home following lunch.
    Interment of the cremains will be held at a later date in the Ogallala Cemetery.
    Memorials have been established in his memory.
    Online condolences may be left by signing the guest book at www.drauckerfuneralhome.com.
    Draucker Funeral Home of Ogallala has been entrusted with arrangements.