Thomas Wayne Wilson was born on September 18, 1948, in Lincoln, Nebraska to Wayne and Betty (Best) Wilson and passed away on January 14, 2017 at the age of 68 years, 3 months, and 27 days. Thomas grew up in Roca and Crete, and graduated from Crete High School with the class of 1966. He attended one year of trade school before enlisting into the U.S. Marines Corps on July 10, 1968. He served in Vietnam as a Helo Mechanic from 1970-1971. Upon his honorable discharge on July 9, 1972 he returned to Nebraska where he began a dirt moving company. He lived in California for several years before moving back to Nebraska to be with his family. Tom retired to Staplehurst where he lived until his passing. Through his life, Tom never lost his childhood love of heavy equipment.

Thomas was preceded in death by his parents, and one brother, Richard Wilson.

Survivors include his brother Steve Wilson and wife Joan of Grand Island, sister Connie Conner and husband Brad of Papillion; four nieces and nephews, Jill and Derek Lippincott, Des Moines, IA; Leslie and Brent Van Winkle, Lincoln; Colin and Lisa Wilson, Shickley; and Brooke and Josh Schmitt, Grand Island; great-nieces and great-nephews: Cael, Jude, Conner, Cameron, Liv, Leah and Hailey.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warriors Project.