(Veteran)

Blair Man Killed At Interstate Interchange

David Kohler, 25-year-old Blair man, was killed early Wednesday in a traffic accident at the Interstate 80-680 interchange in Omaha.

The time of the accident is not known definitely as the pickup which Kohler was driving lay unnoticed on an embankment for an indefinite time.

A motorist, Allen Nye, of 12437 Westwood Lane noticed the overturned truck about 7:30 a.m. Nye said he passed again shortly before 9 o’clock and noted that the truck was still there. He called police.

Investigators said Kohler’s pickup went off the northbound I-680 bridge in the interchange and fell about 75 feet onto and embankment above the east-bound I-80 lane.

Firemen had to use the jaws of life equipment to free his body from the cab of the truck.

Cause of the accident is not known, Kohler was dead when rescuers reached his truck.

David Scott Kohler was born November 9, 1950, at Blair, the son of Mr. Clyde Kohler. He was a veteran of the Armed Forces, having served in the Vietnam theatre. At the time of his death, he was employed by Sapp Bros. Ford Dealers who place of business is several miles from the scene of the accident. Kohler was in the habit of working late, his associates report.

He is survived by his mother and step-father, Mr. and Mrs. Ray Orr, and by two brothers and two sisters.

The brothers are Eugene Kohler of Blair, and Philip Kohler of Tallahassie, Florida. The sisters are Mrs. Nancy Matzen and Mrs. Jackie Drummond, both of Blair. Kohler was not married.

Funeral services were held Friday afternoon at the Campbell Mortuary. The Rev. Gordon Patterson of the United Methodist Church conducted the service. Burial was made in the Blair Cemetery.

Pallbearers were Vince Rye, Ray Monk, Danny Sapp, Arnie Lorsch, Steve Klotz and Ted Christensen.

Note: Since the actual death date was not given, the news article date was used. ~~~ Obituary courtesy of the Washington County Genealogical Society. Newspaper clippings on file in the Blair Public Library at Blair, Nebraska.~~~