Thomas R. Candy

February 21, 1929 - June 18, 2019

Thomas R. Candy, 90 Kearney Resident Thomas R. Candy, 90, of Kearney passed away on Tuesday, June 18, 2019 at his home in Kearney. Thomas was born on February 21, 1929 in Oak Park, Illinois to Albert T. and Susan Peterhans (Bancroft) Candy. He received his education from Oak Park High School graduating in 1947 and went on to further his education at Kearney State College where he received his bachelor’s degree. He then attended IIT receiving his Master of Science in Industrial Engineering. Tom worked for IBM for over 25 years and then Kearney State College until his retirement in 1992. Tom enlisted in the United States Navy in 1951 to serve during the Korean War, where he became a Naval pilot. Tom subsequently transferred in the United States Marine Corp in 1952 and proudly served his country until being honorably discharged in 1955. Tom was a member of Faith United Methodist Church in Kearney, the Eagles Club, Central Nebraska Woodcarvers, Interfaith Caregivers, the VFW, Road Assist, Habitat for Humanity, Rowe Sanctuary and Trails and Rails. His many talents included painting, stained glass, cabinet making and carpentry, but his true passion was wood carving. Tom was a beloved father, grandfather, teacher and friend. Left to cherish his memory are his children, Laura Candy Pcolar of Highland, NY, Matthew Candy, Michael Candy and his wife, Jennifer of Brule, Nebraska, and Lisa Candy of Richmondville, NY; 8 grandchildren: Tim, Christy, Michelle, Leona, Kaylee, Ethan, Austin and Justin; 11 great-grandchildren: Camille, Teagan, Tayleigh, Blake, Tyler, Jayden, O’Ryan, Brody, Bentley, Carter and Lexi; daughter-in-law, Lori Candy of Holdrege; brother, Albert Candy and his wife, Lucile of Lawton, Oklahoma; step-brother, Dr. John H. Bancroft of Kearney; step-sister-in-law, Evelyn Bancroft of St. Cloud, Minnesota; his former wife and friend, Pat Candy of Kearney; along with several cousins and many friends. Tom was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Thomas J. Candy; a son-in-law, Walter Pcolar; step-brother, Burton Bancroft of St. Cloud, MN; and step-sister-in-law, Barb Bancroft of Kearney. Funeral services will be 4:00 pm Saturday, June 22, 2019 at O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home in Kearney with Pastor Dean Pofahl officiating. Visitation will be 1:00 – 4:00 pm Saturday, June 22, 2019 at the funeral home. Inurnment will take place at a later date. Suggested memorials include Rural Med – Hospice, Central Nebraska Wood Carvers Club or the Audubon Society. Condolences may be shared online at www.osrfh.com. Services are entrusted to O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral and Cremation Services.