In Memory

Don R. Thomas

Don R. Thomas

Don Roger Thomas died June 30, 2021, at his home away from home, the Cove House.  On November 28, 1943 Don was born in Lincoln, NE. to Marilyn "Peg" and Floyd Thomas. Don was the youngest of three. His youth was spent delivering newspapers with his beloved dog Penny and working hard to earn his Eagle Scout Award. At Lincoln High School he was a "Mer-man" on the synchronizing swim team and played football. According to his high school yearbook comments, he had a fun "social life"!

After graduating in 1961 he was enlisted into the United States Navy by his mom, hmm wonder why? After his stint in the Navy, Don attended College and worked for the State Highway Dept. Don graduated from UNL in 1971 with a degree in Civil Engineering. He then began working for the State of Nebraska Roads Dept as an inspector on the new interstate system and designing bridges. In 1976 he began working for Lancaster County as the Construction Engineer.

In just 6 short years, in 1981 his mentor Marv Nurenberger retired and appointed Don as a new County Engineer. Don held that elected position for 32 years! Don has scrapbooks filled with articles and photos documenting the county's growth over the years, including Dons designs of the new Lancaster County Engineering Dept/Maintenance facility buildings on Cherrycreek Road. County Surveyor Larry Worrell said in '88 "We are being the leaders in the state" because Don, Larry and crew were the first county in Nebraska to install GPS, this technology was new and exciting for Don. Can you imagine life without GPS?

As County Engineer Don had received numerous awards among those were "Admiral in the Great Navy of Nebraska" presented by, Governor Heineman and Nebraska County Employee of the Year. He was a member of the Nebraska County Highway Superintendents and Engineers Association. One of his favorite times of the year was the Associations yearly convention, which Don was honored by the title given to the golf tournament… "The Don Thomas Memorial Horse Turd Golf Tournament". The Trophy is displayed in his son's office.

To our knowledge there were only two women in his life that kept him in line... Candy his "Office wife" of 32 years and his "Nurse Rachet…" Diane at the Cove. Well done ladies and greatly appreciated. Outside of his professional life Don was interested in swimming, golf, attending grandkids sporting events and a real love and talent for woodwork. He enjoyed fishing only in Canada with dear friends and a bottle of beer at 9 a.m.

After 8 years of methodically planning and prepping only like Don would do, he finally married his best friend, Carol on her 40th birthday. Don knew he was taking on more than just a marriage but becoming a role model and father figure to Carols kids. Later, he said his biggest surprise about being a stepparent, was the fact he fell in love with the kids. With 17 grandkids and 5 great grandkids, Don LOVED being a Papa, he would wrestle with his grandkids until they got tired. He taught them how to swim and cook his famous goulash.

Don's older brother Larry (Judy) was a real "mentor" to him. He taught him how to skip church and not let mom know! Their game of tag lasted years. Son-Dan McKee (Cindy) once said of Don. "I have two dads, one taught me how to work hard and the other taught me how to work smart. Daughter-Shannon Lewis (Kevin) I was a daughter not by blood, but through love I cherished him every day. He was always there for me, and he taught me what a dad was supposed to be, so I did not have to wonder. Daughter-Jodie Pike (Neil) Don taught me to stand up for what I thought was right and not look at someone as less than you. PS you still owe me some movies! Son-Matt McKee, He was the dad he did not have to be, and he did it well! Candy Hunt, office manage for 32 yrs. Don was a great boss, a mentor but most of all he was a good friend. His wit and sense of humor will be greatly missed. Nieces Karen and Diane, nephews David, Tom and Jon also loved their Uncle Don. Preceded in death, his parents, His beloved sister Pat and his in-law parents Carl and Dee.

Later, this summer when all the kids can gather, we will be spreading his ashes. In lieu of a memorial, please pay it forward to someone just for fun! As most of you know he had Parkinson, spinal stenosis but an infection that he just could not beat was the final for him. Famous sayings "when pigs fly" and "get your ducks in a row" His favorite place to eat was anywhere mother-in-law Dee is cooking. Favorite treat, sister-in-law Nancy's "dunking cookies". But his most prized possession was his integrity! One day while don and I were floating around in our pool, I must have been extra chatty and he said to me "Carol, it's ok to be quiet." Love you Don. Condolences may be left online at www.lincolnffc.com



 
go to bottom 
  Post Comment

07/15/21 05:38 AM #1    

Susan K. Hanneman (Williams)

One of my biggest regrets in life was not writing to Don when he joined the Navy. He really needed some contact with someone from home and I failed him miserably.  I had just started nursing school and was so caught up with studies and a new career that I became too busy to write or so, I thought.  What a wonderful person he was which was so beautifully enfolded in his orbituary.  Eloquently said. Rest In Peace,, Don.


07/15/21 08:14 AM #2    

Lester E. Williams

MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS go out to Don's family. May they find comfort in knowing Don no longer suffers and is in a better place than here on Earth.

 

Les


07/15/21 09:15 AM #3    

Robert L. Workman

So sorry and surprised to hear of Don's passing.   I remember Don always (I mean always) having a pleasant greeting and smile at Lincoln High when we passed each other in the halls.  Later in life, Don and I found ourselves working together for Lancaster County, each of us retiring at about the same time.   He was an exceptionally qualified, competent and well respected County Engineer.  While expertly managing a large complex department,  Don never failed to have that same greeting and smile I remembered from Lincoln High.  Rest In Peace Don .  


07/15/21 09:52 AM #4    

Rosemary Long (Jamison)

What a wonderful tribute to Don. He created and lived an outstanding and positive life, personally and professionally. Gone too soon. R.I.P., Don.

07/15/21 10:18 AM #5    

Karan L. Kuster (Brown)

What a beautfully written memory page and so intresting to read about his life, family and career.   Prayers to his family members.

 


07/15/21 11:05 AM #6    

Violet E. Marks (Baker)

Don and Carol's journey through Parkinson's was a long and hard road.  I'm sure there is a degree of relief that he no longer has to suffer but his family dearly loved him and he returned that love.  Condolences to the whole family and especially Carol.


07/16/21 05:46 PM #7    

Donna Vinson (Giebelhaus)

SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS.. HARD TO LOSE A PARDNER & A GREAT GUY. 

GOD WILL  WATCH OVER YOU. .

 

DONNA VINSON GIEBELHAUS


07/18/21 09:27 AM #8    

Mary L. Thorpe (Dolce)

I am so sorry to hear of Don's death.  What a wonderful tribute to such a good guy.  I have lots of memories of time with Don and his buddies....This was a life that enriched so many others.  Thank you for sharing the information about him.


07/19/21 05:22 PM #9    

Gloria J. Kowrack (Schmidt)

What a glowing tribute to Don. Sorry to hear of his death. He is no longer bound by the Parkinson handycap. He is free from frustration and suffering. Prayers to the family.


07/26/21 09:49 PM #10    

Rosemarie Jacobs (Magee)

What a fantastic life ... his humor was what got him and others through ... he will be missed ... he's no longer 'captive' to Parkinson's and that's a blessing. Peace, Don ... rest well.


go to top 
  Post Comment