Thomas (Tom) Walsh

Share a memory Print obituary

Thomas (Tom) Walsh passed away on January 18, 2023, in Lincoln, Nebraska. He was born in Omaha, Nebraska, as the youngest of three children to Bernard and Helen Walsh.

In 1959 he married the love of his life, Edythe. Together they had five children, four grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.

Tom proudly served in the U.S. Navy from 1955 to 1961.

Tom retired as a Professor with the School of Education, University of Nebraska, Kearney (UNK), in 1999. Prior to his position with UNK, he worked with the State Department of Education in Nebraska and Kansas, as a high school teacher, and with the U.S. National Park Service. He also authored “Changing Nebraska”, the fourth grade instructional guide implemented by the Nebraska Public School system. Tom was dedicated to the field of education for his entire career and believed passionately that every individual should be entitled to the gift of a good education.

Tom was also a tireless local community volunteer. He delivered meals for Meals-on-Wheels and worked with the refugee community assisting in teaching English as a second language. He also volunteered to serve as the public member of the Nebraska Pharmacy Board, served as an annual Judge for the “We the People” competition to promote competence and responsibility among elementary and secondary students, and in conjunction with the Nebraska Department of Education, organized and facilitated Teacher World; a summer program for high school students who aspired to become educators. Lastly, Tom loved enjoying nature and animals, particularly his many beloved pet dogs.

Tom is survived by his loving wife, Edythe, daughters Kathy Doy (Josh), Sharon Knapp, Caroline ‘Reilly (William), and son, Michael, his grandchildren and great grandchild (Joe, Phil, Zack, Marilyn, and Julia), and his many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his son, Patrick, his son-in-law, Richard Knapp, his parents, and his brothers (Bud and Jack).

A private burial will be held for Tom at the Omaha National Cemetery in the spring. Tom’s family wishes to extend their sincere gratitude to the nursing staff of the cardiac unit at Bryan Hospital East Campus for their incredible care. In lieu of flowers, the family requests to make a donation to Matt Talbot Kitchen or the Center for People in Need in Tom’s name.

Share a memory Print obituary

Share a Memory or Condolence

November 12, 2023

I worked closely with Tom in the orchestration of Teacher World, held annually for a period of years on the Wayne State College campus. He was an incredible teacher, and an even more incredible human being. I stayed in touch with Tom over the years, sometimes meeting him for coffee when I happened to be in Lincoln. I was concerned when my last email to him went unanswered, because that wasn’t like him. I let it drop until it occurred to me to check the internet, where I discovered he had passed. I’ll be making a contribution to the Teacher World scholarship at Wayne State, in his name. He was a great man.

– Paul Theobald

January 27, 2023

One of my greatest life blessings was to know Tom through our work at the Nebraska Department of Education. A true gift to education because of his passion for teaching/learning and commitment to enhancing the lives of many he encountered. Always kind and gracious. Always passionate and committed to his work. Always remembered fondly.

– Sharon Katt

January 23, 2023

We will miss our monthly lunches with you and Edythe talking sports, family, politics and education. Will always treasure memories of the summer classes we held in Kearney helping educators plan to teach their K-12 students about government, the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights. Also, we remember you sharing your knowledge with more teachers at the We The People…the Citizen and the Constitution conference at Black Hills State University. If you weren’t thinking about the importance of your family or education it was those darn S.F. Giants. Much love.

– Kay & Tom Keefe

January 21, 2023

I am honored to call you my dad. You taught me that compassion and the simple act of kindness is what ALL people need and are entitled to. Not only did you preach this message, you demonstrated it everyday in your actions. As a child you read me two stories every night before bed (character voices included), spent countless hours (with unbelievable patience) trying to get me to understand blasted algebra, and survived teaching me how to drive. You also instilled in me a strong work ethic, and are ultimately responsible for my terrible sense of humor!! You were the kindest person I have ever known, and you loved mom more than words could ever say. I always told you that I would not get married unless my spouse loved me the way you loved mom; thankfully, that happened, but only because you set the bar that high. I will miss you terribly. The world will never be the same without you in it, but I am so grateful to have had you as long as I did. In my mind I will always see you standing at the kitchen sink doing dishes, shaking your skinny little hips, and singing … always singing …

– Caroline O’Reilly

January 21, 2023

Uncle Tom was always the Uncle I felt closest to. He was the kindest person i knew. He accepted all for who they were and valued who they were. He made everyone feel they were worthwhile. One of the most giving persons I have ever known. He was also a DEVOUT Nebraska sports fan! He and I would talk about Nebraska football, basketball, and he loved the women’s volleyball team, among other things. RIP Uncle Tom, you are loved by many. I am sure you and Dad are reliving all the pranks you guys pulled!