Brian “Grits” Glen Urban, 61, died on March 4, 2024, at his home in Orleans, Nebraska.
Grits was born in Norton, Kansas on January 26, 1963, to Vernon and Geraldine (Carlton) Urban. He attended school in Norton, graduating from Norton Community High School in 1981.
Grits’ enjoyment of outdoor life took him to Montana where he was a licensed guide for a big game outfitter north of Yellowstone. He later operated a tugboat in Ketchikan, Alaska. Having enough of the sea, he returned to Norton County and later owned and operated the Stoplight Bar with his brother Goof in Norton. Grits worked for several farmers allowing him to continue to enjoy the outdoors and solitude. During the past few years, harvest and chopping season found him driving a truck for Kasson Farms. His work ethic was appreciated by employers and coworkers.
Military history and artifacts were a passion of Grits. He collected military items and read extensively about the topic. He was known to read hundreds of books in a year.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Vernon and Geraldine Urban. Survivors include brothers, Jeff “Goof” (Sue) Urban and Corey “Leo” Urban all of Norton, Kansas and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Memorial services will be held Friday, March 22, 2024 at 10:30 am at the funeral home. Visitation will be from 5-7:00 pm Thursday, March 21, 2024 also at the funeral home. Private family inurnment will be held at a place special to Grits. Memorial contributions may be made to the Norton Public Library and may be sent in care of Plumer-Gobber Funeral Home, 215 W. Main St., Norton, KS 67654. Condolences may be left at www.plumergobber.com