Geno Thomas Vickers

Geno Thomas (Tom) Vickers passed away on February 20, 2026 at McCook Community Hospital in McCook, NE.

Tom was born in Gothenburg on March 7, 1936 to George and Sylvia Vickers, and moved to the ranch at Farnam, NE when he was 8 years old. Tom met the love of his life, Shirley Messersmith, in Farnam, and they were married on May 27th, 1956. Three children were born to this union – Matt, Mark, and Cindy.

Tom lived and worked on the family ranch/farm, served on the Co-op Board, McCook Public Power Board, and was elected to the State Legislature, where he served as a Senator for 2 terms. Following his service in the Legislature, he became a Lobbyist for various organizations, until his retirement following Shirley's death in 2009. Tom remarried to Jerda Garey in 2011, and resided in both Farnam and McCook following their marriage.

Tom was a cowboy at heart, and enjoyed raising Quarterhorses and Tennessee Walkers. He enjoyed long rides on his horse, Flicka, out alone in the pasture, even into his 88th year of life. He enjoyed leatherwork, and was skilled in making purses, belts, billfolds, bracelets, and pictures for wall hangings. His family all proudly display his artistic work.

Tom is survived by his wife, Jerda Garey Vickers, and his three children and their spouses – Matt (Nancy) Vickers, Mark (Pat) Vickers, and Cindy (Doug) Hobelman – 12 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, and 4-great-great-grandchildren.

Private family services will be held at a later date.

Memorials may be made to the Farnam Fire Department or the George Norris Foundation in McCook.