Don Softley to lead parade as Grand Marshal

Don Softley will be leading this year’s Perkins County Fair Parade as grand marshal. 

Born and raised in Perkins County, Softley has “proven his vast usefulness to this community time and again over the years,” states one of the many nomination letters received on Softley’s behalf. 

Last year, he was honored for serving 40 years on the Grant Volunteer Fire Department, 20 of those years as chief.  

“Don has given countless number of hours during his free time and evenings to make the department more efficient and professional. Perkins County and the southwest Nebraska area owe Don a deep debt of gratitude for his expertise over the years,” states a nomination letter. Another letter states he works tirelessly and unselfishly to better the department. 

Softley has been an active member of the Grant Rotary Club for over 20 years, with a letter stating they “would consider him to be the most valuable Rotarian in the club.”

Over the years, he’s played an active role in Jaycees, Chamber of Commerce,  coaching, the school foundation, the Perkins County Community Foundation, the Economic Development Committee and remains active in the Community Redevelopment Authority, Nebraska School Activities Association and New Life Church.

A humble Softley felt the honor was more than he deserved.

“Really, it should go to all the folks I work with or am associated with in various activities,” he said. 

This coincides with one of the letters, “Don is very humble about his work. He is not it for any glory. He just gets the job done!”

Recently retired after over three decades in banking, Softley said he has 37 years of projects he owes his wife of nearly 37 years, Kay. 

“She has sacrificed immensely for a long time to allow me to do these things,” said Don.

The couple raised four boys: Chad, Craig, Chris and Curt, and have 11 grandchildren. 

Softley will lead the Perkins County Fair Parade as grand marshal this Saturday, July 20 at 10 a.m.