Thomas E. Graves
August 2, 1948-November 22, 2024
Thomas E. Graves: A Life Well Lived
Thomas E. Graves, devoted family man, accomplished professional, and storyteller, passed away, leaving behind a rich legacy of love, laughter, and cherished memories. Born with an enduring curiosity and a drive to connect, Tom captured the essence of his life in his memoir, aptly titled It’s a Wonderful Life.
A man of humble beginnings, Tom grew up in St. Joseph, Missouri, where childhood memories of bike rides and Saturday night fish fries painted a vivid picture of simpler times. His close-knit family, including his beloved sisters Paula and Jeanne, played a significant role in shaping the compassionate and hardworking man he became.
Tom’s professional journey began at Northwestern Bell, where he climbed the ranks through sheer determination and an eye for problem-solving. He held leadership roles in Omaha, Denver, and beyond, leaving a lasting impact on countless colleagues. His motto, “Lead, follow, or get out of the way,” exemplified his approach to challenges and the importance of teamwork.
Tom’s heart, however, was always at home. His lifelong love, Candy, whom he met in high school, stood by his side through over five decades of marriage. Together, they raised two remarkable sons, Christopher and Matthew, who carried on their father’s values of dedication, resilience, and kindness.
Family was the cornerstone of Tom’s life. Whether cheering on his sons in their athletic pursuits, doting on his grandchildren, or creating new traditions, he cherished every moment. The tragic loss of his grandson Lane only deepened his commitment to leaving the world a better place, inspiring the founding of the Lane Thomas Foundation, which supports families in need.
Tom’s passion for storytelling extended to his personal memoir, a treasure trove of heartfelt reflections. From poignant tales of his parents to his love of Louis Armstrong’s What a Wonderful World, Tom’s words captured a life brimming with gratitude and hope.
Thomas E. Graves leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience, and optimism. His family, friends, and all who knew him will forever cherish his humor, wisdom, and unwavering spirit. As Tom himself might say, “Life is wonderful when lived with purpose and love.”
In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to the Lane Thomas Foundation, ensuring that Tom’s memory continues to inspire and uplift.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, 12/3/2024, at 10:30 am, at St Patrick Catholic Church, Elkhorn. Cemetery services will be Wednesday, 12/4/2024, at Resurrection Cemetery, Omaha, NE
4 Comments
He was a beautiful person!
I worked with Tom in Des Moines. I remember having to go to the KRNT storage room to get paper for the computer room. He was a good man.
Tom was my boss in Denver. He was very fair and was always calm. My sympathy to his family.
He will certainly be missed.
I’ve tried to find Tom over the last few years and sorry to hear he has passed. Tom was my first programming manager at Northwestern Bell. Great Guy! I could always talk to him about what I felt to be a problem and he would listen and then saw “Let’s see what we can do about that”.
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