Donnie Sabata, age 73, residing in Kingman, Arizona and from Nebraska, passed away peacefully on September 2, 2022. Donnie was born in Lincoln, NE to James J. and Catherine (Kadavy) Sabata on November 20, 1948. The family moved from Lincoln to Malcolm in 1961. While in high school Donnie worked as a farmhand for local Malcolm farmers. He graduated from Malcolm HS in 1968. After high school Donnie worked on the construction of Interstate 80. He was a Sargent in the Airforce and served in the UK during the Vietnam War (1968-1972). When he returned to the United States he lived in Lincoln, NE. Donnie worked as a cross country truck driver before working 20+ years for Burlington Northern Railroad in Building & Bridges. He was an accomplished carpenter and loved to help others. He enjoyed his coffee at Shoemakers with his brother Alvin whenever he got the chance. Donnie met Candi Sapp (Sabata) in June of 1989, and they married on September 10, 2012. They moved to Kingman in 2008. They enjoyed going to Laughlin for dinner, entertainment, and a bit of gambling. Donnie loved his old country music and enjoyed planting and taking care of his trees.
Donnie is survived by his daughter Kendra (Cody) Watson, grandchildren Tyler and Taylor (Lincoln, NE); step-daughter Kelli (Jeff) Finke, and their children Seth, Jordan, and Haylee (Lincoln, NE); sisters Pat (Bernard) Heinemann (Wallace, NE), Kathy (Fred) Gesser (Thorndale, PA), Mary (Terry) Brown (Raymond, NE), Judy (Bill) Nissen (Raymond, NE); brother Ron (Gerrie) Sabata (Lincoln, NE); sisters-in-law, Phyllis Sabata, and Deb Sabata; many cousins, nephews and nieces, the Finke family, and many friends. He is preceded in death by his wife Candi, parents, son, Matthew Ferguson, and brothers James P. and Alvin.
A celebration of life and light lunch will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, October 22, at Raymond Firehall (4210 W Raymond Rd, Raymond, NE). Military service for Donnie, and inurnment for Donnie and Candi Sabata at 2:00 pm at the Seward Cemetery (1700 State Hwy 15, Seward, NE). Memorials can be made to one of Donnie’s favorite charities: Boys Town, Omaha, NE.
I’m sad today to learn of Don’s passing and sorry I lost touch with him. He was our next door neighbor on West Park Avenue starting in the mid 70s for about ten years. He was the best neighbor anyone could have. He always impressed me with his broad knowledge of construction and his skill at carpentry. I helped him build our shed (not he helped me) and he did brickwork in our basement. He installed the chimney for a woodburning stove in our house and we harvested firewood together on many Saturdays.
I will always remember his generosity of time and his wonderful smile and laugh, oftentimes a bit mischievous. My wife Micheline and I have talked of him fondly over the years. I have missed him since we parted ways and miss him now.
Marcia and I to we’re neighbors to Don on the other side. What a great neighbor he was. He was always helpful with any task as we settled in our very first home as newlyweds. R.I.P Donnie
Always enjoyed working and joking with Donnie while we both worked for the Burlington Railroad in Lincoln, NE. Even though he work in the B&B Dept. he
would stop in our Operating Dept. or we would meet somewhere in the hallways.
He was a awfully good person. So very sorry for your loss. R.I.P. Donnie.
I knew Don since we were in high school. He was a truly a constant in this world. Donnie’s spirit always shined bright and in a very good light. It always made me feel a little better about living in this chaotic world knowing there were people like Donnie Sabata out there.
My deep condolences for your loss. May you be comforted by your loved ones, friends & the heavenly father & his angels.