by Andrea Newman
Doug and Betty Deibler, lifelong residents of the Mullen area, have been honored as the 2025 Hooker County Fair King and Queen. The announcement comes at a special time for the couple, as they prepare to celebrate their 44th wedding anniversary on Aug. 1 - right in the heart of fair week.
Both born and raised in the area and proud graduates of Mullen High School, Doug and Betty have spent their lives contributing to the betterment of their hometown. Their selection as fair royalty continues a family tradition: Doug is a third-generation honoree.
His grandmother, Sarah Bramer, and mother, Marilyn Downing, were both crowned Hooker County Fair Queens in 1993 and 1997, respectively.
Doug’s community involvement spans decades and a wide range of organizations. He has served as a member of the Mullen Volunteer Fire Department, past president of the Hooker County Fair Board and the Mullen Alumni Association, and has worked with the Sandhills Sharptail Shootout serving on the Past Shooters Board. He was also on the Central Sandhills Area Extension Board and was former Director of the Sandhills Cattle Association. He has lent his talents behind the scenes at Mullen High School sporting events, operating the game clock for basketball in the past and continuing to do so for football.
Betty has made her mark through years of volunteerism, including leadership in the Sandhills Sandburs 4-H Club, Mullen Girl Scouts, Red Cross Bloodmobile, Vacation Bible School and the Mullen Hospital Auxiliary. She is also a member of the Seneca United Church of Christ.
Together, Doug and Betty have owned and operated the Butcher Block since October 1982 and have been preparing the BBQ meat for the Hooker County Fair for over 35 years - an annual highlight for fairgoers.
They also own and manage Deibler Gelbvieh Ranch, raising registered Gelbvieh and Gelbvieh-Angus cross bulls, having their annual production sale the last Monday in March. They remain active members of both the American Gelbvieh Association and the Gelbvieh Association in Nebraska.
In 2007, Doug and Betty’s dedication to student athletes and school activities was recognized when they were awarded Fans of the Year by Mullen Public Schools.
Of all their accomplishments, Doug and Betty say they are most proud of raising their four children in Mullen - Andrea (Newman), Anthony, Eric and Joseph. All four have chosen to return and raise their own families in the community they have always called home. The Deiblers are the proud grandparents of eight grandchildren, who are continuing the family’s legacy in Mullen.
Doug and Betty are honored to be this year’s Hooker County Fair King and Queen.