Thomas Michael Price, 80, of Lincoln passed away on June 27, 2019. He was born May 5, 1939 in Omaha, NE to Harold and LuAnna (Smith) Price. The world has never been the same! He was positive and energetic, and his presence filled the room. He cared very deeply for his children, his family, his friends, and all his civic endeavors.
Tom went to Omaha Central High School in Omaha, Nebraska. He received his BA from Colorado College in Colorado Springs and his MA from the University of Nebraska in Lincoln. There began his love for Husker nation! We can all still hear his rally cry—Go Big Red!
Tom was an original company founder of Commonwealth Electric Company of the Midwest in 1987. He served as the company’s President and CEO. He loved the company and was passionate about his employees. As many employees can attest, Tom always made you feel like you were an integral part of the company and were contributing to its success. His energy was something everyone remembers!
Tom was also an adjunct professor at the University of Nebraska in the College of Engineering for almost 30 years. He taught “Construction Cost and Controls” and loved bringing in his many friends and colleagues from the business community who brought real world experience to his classes. He loved teaching and making an impact on the students. He was thrilled and so very proud that his daughter Elizabeth made a career of teaching.
Tom was a member of New Covenant Church, the Downtown Rotary Club, AICPA, UNL Alumni Association, Sigma Chi Fraternity, ROTC, and the Mustang Club. He was on the board of the Cystic Fibrosis Association and served on the board of the Capitol Beach Association. He was a member and president of the Lincoln High School Booster Club and a member of the Colorado College Hockey Club. He enjoyed being a bible study leader and speaking for the Christian Women’s Club. He founded YES (Youth Empowered by Sports) whose focus was to impact inner city youth through sports. Tom’s mission and energy was focused on building character and encouraging perseverance. His “can do” attitude continued to impact youth as he coached soccer and hockey for decades. He was an avid Nebraska Husker fan and loved the Lincoln Stars. His seat behind the glass was one of his favorite places—who doesn’t remember his many jerseys or his flags waving during the games?! He will be missed!
A warm and heart-felt thank you to the entire staff at Southlake Village. A special thank you and lots of love to Becky, Tom’s nurse of 6 ½ years. The Price Pack is forever grateful.
Family members include his wife Pamela; daughters Elizabeth Price Thompson (Sam), Park City, UT, Sarah Anne Price, Lincoln; sons T. Michael Price (Lizabeth), Winterset, IA, Stacy E. Markel (Emily), Raymond, NE; grandchildren Ethan Price, Sammy Thompson, Andrew Cahalan, Daniel Cahalan (Shelby) and Matthew Cahalan (Emily); 5 great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents, first wife Connie, son Shawn Markel, grandchildren Thomas M. Price and Emily Jane Price.
Funeral Service: 11:00 a.m. Tuesday (7-2-19) Roper and Sons South Lincoln Chapel, 3950 Hohensee Drive (SW corner of 40th & Yankee Hill Rd).
Memorials in lieu of flowers to Friends of Cystic Fibrosis, 4810 Claire Ave.,
Lincoln, NE 68523-9050 or City Impact, 1035 N. 33rd Street, Lincoln, NE 68503.
Visitation with family greeting friends from 6-8 pm Monday at Roper and Sons South Lincoln Chapel.