photo

veteran

Donald Leo Thomas was born to Adolph and Julia Ann (Zach) Thomas on February 17, 1925 in Bradish, Nebraska (rural Albion). He passed away January 18, 2018, at Tekamah Health and Rehabilitation Center in Tekamah, Nebraska. He was one of 10 children, and the last surviving family member.

He received his education in the Albion schools and graduated in the class of 1943. In August of 1943, at the age of 18, he served in World War II with the 42nd Rainbow Division. On Easter Sunday of 1946 he was honorably discharged at Leavenworth, Kansas. He traveled home on a train. At that time his parents didn’t even know he was coming home.

On February 18, 1951, he married Vivian Evangelin Hammer at First Methodist Church in Tekamah. They lived most of their 66 years of married life in Tekamah. Don’s primary occupation was in corn research, where he first began with Tekseed Hybrids and retired in 1990 with Wyffels Hybrids in Geneseo, Illinois. In 1992, he joined the staff of Pelan Funeral Services and was employed with them for over 20 years.

Don was a lifetime member of the VFW and American Legion Post 15. He was a past Master of Tekamah Lodge No. 31 as a 55-year member. He was also a Shriner for many years. Don was a Charter Member of the Tekamah Jaycees. He served on the Tree Board where he helped Tekamah become a Tree City USA and various other city committees including Tekamah Lions Club.

Two of his favorite hobbies were golfing and Husker Sports. Don will always be remembered for his smile.

He was preceded in death by his parents; 9 siblings; son, Kim Thomas; son-in-law, Doug Ray; daughter-in-law, Nancy (Peck) Thomas.

Survivors include his wife, Vivian Thomas of Tekamah; daughter, Kristi (Steve) Zechmann of Lincoln; son, Kevin (Denise) Thomas of Omaha; 10 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren.

In Loving Memory of Donald L. Thomas, 92 years, 11 months, 1 day

Born February 17, 1925 Rural Albion, Nebraska; Entered Into Rest January 18, 2018, Tekamah, Nebraska

Memorial Service Friday, January 26, 2018, 10:30 a.m. First Presbyterian Church, Tekamah, Nebraska; Rev. Duncan Nichol, Officiant

Special Music: “His Eye is on the Sparrow”; “Hymn of Promise”; “Stardust”~CD; Patty Wilson, Soloist; Leanne Dorathy, Accompanist

Honorary Bearers: Ron Anderson, Delmar Chamberlain, Melvin Schmidt, Rich Smiley, Greg Sheets, Jim Elliott, Lynn Pelan, Jim Pelan

Military Honors: VFW Bataan Post No. 3304; American Legion LaFrenz Post No. 15

Interment at a Later Date: Tekamah Cemetery, Tekamah, Nebraska

Arrangements by Pelan Funeral Services, Tekamah

~~~funeral leaflet courtesy of Washington County Genealogical Society. Newspaper clippings on file in the Public Library, Blair, Nebraska ~~~

FindaGrave 187398162