Michael D. Thomas

January 14, 1948 - July 18, 2015

Michael Duane Thomas, son of Leonard and Lois Irene (Taylor) Thomas, was born January 14, 1948 in Omaha, Nebraska. As a young boy, Mike and his family moved to Brownville, Nebraska, where he attended elementary school. Mike’s high school education was in Auburn, Nebraska. Leonard died when Mike was young, and his mother married George Garver. George accepted Mike as his son and raised him as his own. Mike was married to Kristy Velasco in Omaha, and two daughters, Kim and Stacey, were born to this union. The couple later divorced, and Mike married Paula Conklin, also in Omaha. The couple was blessed with two sons, Michael II and Jonathan. They divorced after 20 years of marriage. Mike was a carpenter by trade, and worked mostly by himself or with others helping him. He was a hard worker, and almost never took a day off when he had work. Mike loved the outdoors, and loved to travel. He took trips across the country, and never tired of seeing new places. He was a history buff as well, and enjoyed Westerns and NASCAR. Settling in Auburn in his later years, Mike enjoyed the company of his family and his dogs. After a decline in his health, he found it necessary to keep to his home more. After an emergency at home, Mike was admitted to Bryan West Medical Center in Lincoln, Nebraska. It was there he passed away on Saturday, July 18, 2015 at the age of 67 years, 6 months, and 4 days. He was preceded in death by his parents, step-dad George Garver, and first wife Kristy. Mike is survived by his children Kim Minadeo of Seward; Stacey Thomas of Omaha; Michael and wife Beth Thomas II of Somerville, AL; Jonathan and wife Jaimee Thomas of Auburn; 13 grandchildren; brother Steve Garver and Rhonda Cooney of Brownville; former wife Paula Alexander of Trinity, AL; other relatives and friends. A memorial service will be Tuesday, July 21, 2:00 p.m. at Hemmingsen Funeral Home in Auburn with a celebration of life to follow at T.J.'s Tavern in Brownville. No visitation is planned.