Randy Dubbs

Randall E. “Randy” Dubbs, 74, of Shelton, Nebraska, passed away peacefully at his home on July 1, 2026.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 7, 2026 at the First Presbyterian Church in Wood River with the Reverend Denzel Nonhoff officiating. Burial to follow at the Cameron Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5:00–7:00 p.m. on Monday, July 6, at the church. Memorials are suggested to First Presbyterian Church or to the family's choice. Apfel Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Randy was born on November 1, 1951, in Grand Island, Nebraska, to Elton and Jean (Allan) Dubbs. He grew up on the family farm north of Wood River and attended District 33 through sixth grade before continuing his education at Wood River Rural High School. He graduated with the Class of 1970, proudly becoming part of the first graduating class from the new high school building. He later attended Nebraska Central Technical College in Hastings, earning a diploma in auto mechanics.

On March 27, 1971, Randy married the love of his life, Pamela Lowell, at St. Mary's Church in Wood River. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, and community. Randy often joked that he had never lived more than five miles from where he grew up, a testament to his deep roots and unwavering love for the place he called home.

A devoted member of First Presbyterian Church in Wood River, Randy faithfully served as a trustee, deacon, and elder. His commitment to his church reflected the quiet generosity, integrity, and servant's heart that defined his life.

Randy spent his early working years farming alongside his father and brothers in Elton E. Dubbs & Sons Corporation, a vocation that instilled in him a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for the land. He later dedicated 31 years of service to the Grand Island Cemetery, serving most of that time as crew chief, during which his reliability and care touched many lives.

Randy had a passion for traveling and dreamed of visiting all 50 states, accomplishing visits to 46 of them. His adventures also took him abroad to Ireland, England, Switzerland, Italy, and Canada.

He loved gardening, raising livestock, and farming, passions that connected him to the land and brought him great satisfaction throughout his life. Whether tending a garden, caring for animals, or spending time outdoors, Randy found joy in hard work and in nurturing the things he loved. Hunting and caring for livestock were among his favorite pastimes, but nothing brought him greater happiness than spending time with his family.

Christmas and the Fourth of July were especially meaningful to Randy, as they provided opportunities to gather everyone together, share stories, create memories, and celebrate the people he loved most. He never met a stranger, always welcomed others with a smile, and could strike up a conversation with anyone. Randy genuinely enjoyed connecting with people and making them feel valued.

More than anything, Randy will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend whose greatest pride was his family. His legacy lives on in the lessons he taught, the traditions he cherished, and the countless memories he created with those he loved.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Pam Dubbs; his children, John (Marisol) Dubbs, Angie (Cory) Palmer, James “Matt” (Theresa) Dubbs, and Kristin (Jeff Matthews) Dubbs; grandchildren Peggy Dubbs, Maddy Dubbs, McKenna Palmer, James Randall Dubbs, Lainey Palmer, Izzy Dubbs, Jacob Dubbs, Emersyn Palmer, Emmett Palmer, Abby Dubbs, Elly Dubbs, Benjamin Serrano-Chavez, and Liam Dubbs and two great-grandchildren; brothers Rick Dubbs, Michael (Marilynn) Dubbs, Danny Dubbs, Terry (Nohemi) Dubbs, and Wendell (Sally) Dubbs; and brother-in-law Paul (Diane) Lowell.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Elton and Jean Dubbs; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Howard and Fran Lowell; his brother and sister-in-law, David and Patricia Dubbs; and his beloved grandson, Wyatt Dubbs.

Randy's life was a testament to hard work, faith, kindness, and an enduring love for family, farming, and the simple joys of country life. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him.