Theodore A. Thomas

Theodore A. 'Ted' Thomas of Cozad passed away Tuesday, July 27, 2021 at Nebraska Heart Hospital in Lincoln at the age of 87. Ted was born July 20, 1934 at Cozad, Nebraska to Glen and Ethyl (Dutton) Thomas. He graduated from Cozad High School with the class of 1952. Following graduation, Ted worked for the FBI in Washington D.C. for a few months taking finger prints before entering into the U. S. Coast Guard. On July 1, 1954 he married Phyllis Adams at Port Angeles, WA. Their union was blessed with three children, Tamela, Karen and Lisa. Having served with the U.S. Coast Guard for over 20 years, Ted was stationed many places. He started his military career in Arlington, Virginia and retired in Kodiak, Alaska. The couple then moved back to Cozad. Ted was active in the community, volunteering at the Cozad Food Pantry and Red Cross Disaster Relief. Ted was a Hot Air Pilot for almost 20 years with his own Balloon Rally in Kearney. He loved to travel, staying in a motor home park in Palm Springs, CA, and camping in nearly every state. Ted was a longtime member of the First Presbyterian Church. He was preceded in death by his parents; and daughter Tamela. Survivors include his wife, Phyllis of Cozad; daughters, Karen (Kevin) Lehmann of Lincoln and Lisa (Derrick) Gengenbach of Cozad; 5 grandchildren; 3 great grandchildren; and many other extended family and friends.

Memorials are suggested to the family in his name for later designation. Online memorials may be shared at berrymanfuneralhome.com. Services will be held Saturday, July 31, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church with Pastor Steve Berke officiating. Burial with Military Honors will follow at Fairview Cemetery south of Cozad. Visitation will be Friday from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. with family present from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Berryman Funeral Home.