LeRoy Van Thomas

LeRoy Van Thomas, 90, of Lincoln, Nebraska, passed away on August 19, 2026. He was born May 26, 1936, in Bismark, North Dakota to his parents Charles and Mable (Bailey) Thomas of Fryburg, North Dakota. LeRoy grew up as one of a large family of children.

In 1954, LeRoy entered the United States Air Force and was stationed at the airbase in Lincoln. Shortly after coming to Lincoln, LeRoy met Marillys Tuhey at the roller-skating rink at 48th and “O” Streets. They were married in Lincoln in October of 1955 and began their family with three daughters. The family moved to Guam in 1961 for LeRoy's military service. It was there that their fourth daughter was born. In 1962, they relocated to Rapid City, South Dakota, for the remainder of LeRoy's military service. He was honorably discharged in January of 1964 after ten years of service. The family then returned to Lincoln.

From the time LeRoy and his family moved back to Lincoln until his retirement in 1998, he spent most of the years working at the Ace Hardware warehouse.

He and Marillys passed on their love of roller-skating to their daughters. They also found enjoyment in square dancing which they also shared with their girls. They played card games—4- and 10-point pitch and rummy among them. After retiring, he and Marillys sold their Lincoln home and bought a motor home. They traveled mostly in the Western states, visiting family and friends, and lived in their home on wheels until 2012, when they moved back to Lincoln.

LeRoy was preceded in death by his wife, Marillys; a grandson, Robert L Fleming; and all but one of his many siblings. He is survived by his four daughters, Janet (James) Lamken, Beth Schaible, Denise (Chuck) Fleming, and Susan Thomas; 10 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; his brother, Clyde Thomas; many nieces and nephews; and family friends.

Visitation will be held from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home, 6800 South 14th Street, Lincoln, Nebraska. A Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 pm, immediately following the visitation at Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home.

Private family Burial on Monday, August 24, 2026.