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Thomas O’Connor Obituary
He was born on June 28, 1929, in Hamilton, Ontario, to Thomas Wilfred and Catherine Dobson O'Connor both of whom died when he was an infant. His oldest sister Kay, who was sixteen at the time, took on the responsibility of raising Tom, his brother Terry, and sister Eileen.
Tom moved to the United States in 1945 when he was given the opportunity to play baseball in the St. Louis Cardinals organization. He served in the Army from 1951-1953 in Korea after which he obtained his U.S. Citizenship. Upon his discharge from the military, he moved to North Platte to play as a catcher with the North Platte Plainsmen, a local semi-pro baseball team in the Nebraska Independent League owned by local businessman, the late York Hinman. He was selected to the Nebraska Baseball Hall of Fame in 1996.
Tom met Kathleen (Katie) Romans, of North Platte, while she was working for the North Platte Telegraph. They were married on Oct. 8, 1955. Tom was involved in several businesses in North Platte beginning with the Mobil gas station at B and Jeffers, which he co-owned with teammate and partner, Jim Callaghan. He also managed the Texaco bulk plant and service station, and the Rail Bar before opening The Sports Shoppe along with his wife Katie and son Tim in 1976.
Tom is survived by his four sons, Kevin (Cindy) O'Connor, Tim (Karen) O'Connor, Jeff (Robyn) O'Connor, all of North Platte, Dan O'Connor, of Scottsdale, Ariz.; six grandchildren, TJ (Thomas Joseph), John, Sean, Randi, Kelsie and Shane; mother-in-law, Alma Romans, of North Platte; sister-in-law, Mary Ann (Bruce) Forbes, of Greeley, Colo.; and a special friend, Shirley Tuenge.
Preceding him in death were his wife of 34 years, Katie; his parents; a brother, Terry; and two sisters, Kay and Eileen.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to the North Platte Catholic Schools Endowment and online condolences may be shared at adamsswanson.com.
Rosary will be recited at 7 p.m., Tuesday, March 2, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, with Mass of Christian Burial being celebrated at 2 p.m., Wednesday, March 3, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church with Father James Golka as celebrant. Burial will follow at Floral Lawns Memorial Gardens. Those wishing to sign the memorial book may do so from noon to 6 p.m., Sunday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday and Tuesday at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas O’Connor
Marlene Crosier
March 2, 2010
Kevin, Tim, Jeff & Dan: I am sorry to hear about your dad. I'll never forget both of your wonderful parents, and those days when my parents (Phyllis & Jerry Toman) hung out with yours.
Sally Jochum McGurn
March 2, 2010
Dan and family,
I am so sorry to hear about your Dad's passing. I have such great memories of you and your family as my neighbors in NP. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
March 2, 2010
Kevin,Tim,Jeff and Dan
So sorry to hear about your Dad's passing, I have great memories of your Mom and Dad in High School at the house on 4th. Our prayers are with you all.
The Schmidt's
Windsor CO.
Norman Pavel
March 2, 2010
Kevin,Jeff,Tim,Dan and Shirley, Our sympathy to all of you. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Norm and Rosella Pavel
John Petford
March 1, 2010
Kevin,Jeff ,Tim, Dan and Shirley ,we are sad to hear of Tom's passing.
Tom was a great focal point for our families. People always wanted to be with him ,whenever there was an opportunity to get together.
Our best wishes are with you all.
The Petford's and The Fox families.
Matt Gartrell
March 1, 2010
Tim and family,
We are so sorry to hear about your dad. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Your frinds....
Matt and Kelli Gartrell
and family.
March 1, 2010
To the O'Connor family. I have been a good friend of Dans for years and always enjoyed and appreciated being included in get togethers when Tom and Shirley visited Phoenix. Tom was such a nice and kind gentlemen and I was honored to have met him. My deepest sympathy to you Dan and your Family. John J. Winkler (PHX,, AZ)
March 1, 2010
Kevin, Tim and family;
My deepest sympathy go out to you and your family. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. May your memories be your strength to get thru the days to come.
Chris Carr(Beyer)
The Sullivans
February 28, 2010
Dear O'Connor Families,
We are so deeply sorry for the loss of your Dad. We have many fond memories of Tom while we were there in North Platte and were together at various family events. He always had a great smile ready to greet you. You have been and will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers! All our love, The Sullivans
Mark Richardson
February 27, 2010
Kevin, Tim, Jeff, and Dan,
I can't tell you how sorry I am to hear of your Dad's passing. I have many fond memories of both your Mom and Dad, but especially great memories of playing golf and cards with Tom. He was a great guy and my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Keith Hanson
February 27, 2010
Our sympathy to the entire O'Connor family. We knew both Tom and Katie, such good people.
Our thoughts are with you.
Keith & Mary Hanson
Ponca City, OK
GLORIA ADKINS
February 27, 2010
please accept our sincere syoathy in the loss of Tom he was a real part of our lives and history in North pLatte. god be with you all at this time of los and sorrow and celebrating the life he lived and Katies.
Gloria Adkins and the Adkins families
bernie drost
February 27, 2010
have great memories of tom
John Sullivan
February 27, 2010
Please accept my sincere sympathy for your loss. Tom, along with Katie, were such terrific people. Everytime you walked into The Sports Shoppe, they greeted you and made you feel like you were the most important person in the store. My dad knew Tom pretty well. He thought a lot of him and always bragged about how great a baseball player he was. I am so sorry. What a tremendous loss.
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