Leland C. Mayo

Leland C. Mayo of Cozad passed away February 2, 2017 at Cozad Care Center at the age of 82. Leland was born June 3, 1934 on a farm near Stamford, Nebraska to Oscar and Nancy (Veneman) Mayo. When Leland was three years old, they moved to the Deerfield Corner, West of Beaver City where his parents ran the Port of Entry for several years. Leland started school at a little country school South of where he lived. He attended school in Oxford and Beaver City, Nebraska, until the age of 16 when he started driving a livestock truck for Paul Christensen. He would haul a load of cattle to Omaha, which would take him 10 hours one way. On November 21, 1954, Leland married Iola (Vertrees) Graning. With this union he was blessed with his son, Dennis Graning, and daughter Julie. Mr. Mayo lived in Oxford, Beaver City, Holdrege and Cozad throughout his life. He drove a school bus in Beaver City prior to moving to Holdrege in 1960, where he began working for Magill & Trail Texaco, hauling fuel. He worked for Phelps County, hauled livestock for Speedway Transportation, drove a tour bus, and finished his working years hauling fuel for Bosselmans. When his health started to decline, he retired from Bosselmans and moved to Cozad to be near their family. Leland loved music and enjoyed playing his guitar. He was a good father, grandpa and great-grandpa to his family. The grandchildren have many stories and memories to cherish with him. He made many friends throughout his life and could tell a story like none other! Leland was preceded in death by his wife, Iola; his parents; brothers, Lyle, Vernon, and Emmett; sister-in-law, Marion; son-in-law Bob McNett; and nephews, Terry Mayo and Gary Mayo. Mr. Mayo is survived by his son, Dennis Graning of Grand Island; daughter, Julie McNett of Cozad; step-daughter, Ann VanEvery of Hailey, ID; 4 grandchildren, Jason (Liz) Graning of Clarksville, TN, Lori (T.J.) Greer of Leavenworth, KS, Justin (Jessica) McNett of Omaha and Joseph (Anna) McNett of Plattsmouth, NE; 6 great grandchildren, Hailie, Chris, Kailee, Lorelai, Kelti and Olivia; sister-in-law, Norma Mayo of Holdrege; step-sister, Doris (Ed) Purcell of Olathe, KS; Bev Graning of Omaha; several nieces, nephews and a host of other relatives and friends. Memorials are suggested to Central Plains Home Health & Hospice or Cozad Christian Church. Online condolences may be shared at berrymanfuneralhome.com. Services will be Monday, February 6, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at the Cozad Christian Church with Pastor John States officiating. Burial will be at the Cozad Cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday from 1 to 6 at Berryman Funeral Home in Cozad.