Dr. Dewaine Austin Alcorn, educator, researcher, musician, Husker fan, lifelong learner, loving husband and father, died on Feb. 11, 2020, in Lincoln, Nebr., after a long decline due to Alzheimer’s Disease.
Dewaine was born on April 6, 1932, in Kearney, Nebr., to Clarence and Frances Alcorn. He graduated from University of Nebraska—Kearney with a BFA in Music Education and M. Ed. in Educational Psychology, and later earned an Ed.D. in Special Education from University of Northern Colorado.
Dewaine served during the Korean War in the U.S. Army receiving the Korean Service Medal and two Bronze Stars. He also received the United Nations Service Medal and National Defense Service Medal.
He married Irma Jane Alcorn on July 18, 1954, in Ravenna, Nebr.
His career began as a public school music teacher, but shifted to teaching in higher education after receiving his doctorate. Dewaine was a University of Nebraska—Lincoln (UNL) Associate Professor of Special Education from 1964 to his retirement in 1994. He was an effective grant writer and served as Acting Ombudsmen.
Dewaine also served on boards and organizations related to special education, UNL retired faculty, brass musicians, ancestry and more. He was a member of Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church.
He enjoyed bowling, golfing, boating, fishing, bridge games, barbershop quartet and choir singing, playing tuba in small ensembles and band, attending concerts, genealogy research and traveling – many of these activities with Irma. Dewaine was also glad to do volunteer work.
Dewaine is survived by his wife, Irma, daughter Lorie and son-in-law Jim Dennell, Omaha, and daughter Lynette Alcorn and son-in-law Chris McCubbin, Austin, Texas; grandchildren Molly Dennell, Amanda (Jason) Hoesing, Kady Dennell, Jamie Dennell and Sean Dennell; great-grandchildren Jackson Hoesing and Norah Hoesing; sister-in-law Bonnie Novy, and several nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents and sister, Marlene Irwin.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to Alzheimer’s Association, Great Plains Chapter, 1500 S. 70th St., Ste. 201, Lincoln, Nebr. 68506 or Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church, 8300 E. Pointe Rd., Lincoln, Nebr. 68506.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 7 at Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church, 8300 E. Pointe Rd., Lincoln, Nebr.