Clifford W. Thomas

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Clifford W. Thomas, 75, of Lincoln, passed away May 2, 2024. Born December 14, 1948, in Gothenburg, NE to Wayne and Betty Ann (Schriver) Thomas. Cliff was a tax policy conferee for the Nebraska Department of Revenue for over 40 years.

He played high school football for the Gothenburg Swedes and was selected as captain of the first team Southwest Conference football honor team, as was his father, making them the first father-son selection in Gothenburg football history. He graduated from UNL with a bachelor’s degree in business administration, and served in the United States Marine Corps in Vietnam. Cliff enjoyed refereeing high school football and basketball games.

He was a member of Indian Hills Community Church, loving his heavenly Father and reading the Bible daily. He remained devoted to his family throughout his life, coaching his son’s youth sports teams and serving as Cubmaster in scouts. Cliff was a skilled handyman, taking great joy in working on projects of all sizes for family and friends, completing each with the utmost skill and craftsmanship. Loving husband, father, and grandfather, he was a man of integrity, honesty, and perseverance, always looking for opportunities to help others.

Family members include his wife, Debra Thomas; son David (Caitlyn) Thomas, Washington, DC; daughter Elizabeth (Wei Loon) Ooi, Ashburn, VA; grandchildren Daniel and Nicholas Ooi and Claire Thomas; brother Bill Thomas; sisters Jackie Nicholson and Ginger Thomas; nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents and sister Teri.

Memorial service: 10:00 am Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at Indian Hills Community Church, 1000 S. 84th Street. Viewing one hour prior at the church.

Memorials to Indian Hills Community Church and Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.

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Services

May7

Memorial Service

10:00 am CST

Indian Hills Community Church

1000 S. 84th Street, Lincoln, NE 68510

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May 18, 2024

To Deb and family: My condolences to Deb, having just met you a few weeks ago at Prairie Life. . ( and having just met Deb a few weeks prior to Cliff’s death as i learned from Deb when i met her at Prairie Life that one day, that she said to me, i know Linda, your wife, of which i learned the two of you have attended the same Bible Class at Helen’s home.) I was stunned to see Cliff’s obituary in the following Sunday paper as we were readying ourselves to head for church that Sunday morning. I had just been privileged over the past few months to start conversing with Cliff as we were both in the process of lifting weights at Prairie Life. Our chats were typical of humor, how much ‘fun’ we were having lifting weights, and how soon we longed to get back to Prairie Life to lift MORE weights.I didn’t get to know Cliff real well, but his smile and his chats back and forth that we had were always enjoyable. To say the least, reading about his death in the paper stunned me, as so ‘unreal’ to realize what had just happened, especially since Cliff and I had conversed within the week or so prior to his death. As I ‘ve said to my friends, etc..it was faith, family and friends that helped me ‘resolve’ the aspects of death of a loved one as we continue on in this next phase of our lives. I pray that God is and will continue to ‘shower ‘ his love and comfort to you.during this grieving time.God Bless and God speed.Larry and Linda Freie

– Larry/Linda Freie

May 9, 2024

I worked with Cliff at Revenue. Cliff was a genuine person, wonderful colleague, and helper to all. He will be missed. Condolences to Cliff’s family and friends.

– Stacey Parr

May 6, 2024

I will never forget my friendship with Cliff as I worked with him at the Department of Revenue. Always enjoyed out laughs together. He was a great man and he will be missed. Love you, brother. I’ll be looking forward to seeing you again in the eternal kingdom prepared for all those who have faith in Christ.