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Patrick Thomas Obituary
Age 70
Survived by loving wife of 48 years, Joanne; children, Patrick S. (Suzi) Thomas and Jennifer (Huseyin) Ozturk; grandchildren, Chelsea Thomas and Melodi Ozturk; brothers, John, Jerry and James Thomas; many nieces, nephews and good friends.
MEMORIAL SERVICE Monday, 11am at the Sumtur Amphitheater, 11691 South 108 Street in Papillion, NE near HWY 370 and 108th Street (just south of Papillion-La Vista South High School.) Reception to follow at Papillion Fire Station #2, 11749 South 108th Street, Papillion. The family requests no flowers be sent and would like donations made to the Patrick J. Thomas Memorial fund. c/o Sarpy County Sheriff's Office, 1208 Golden Gate Drive, Papillion, NE 68046. JOHN A. GENTLEMAN MORTUARIES
3512 Samson Way, Bellevue, NE
293-0999
Memories and Condolences
for Patrick Thomas
Rice Torrington
February 2, 2025
My deepest condolences to the family and friends of Sheriff Patrick Thomas. I never met this great man, but his work on the most dangerous and important case in the history of Bellevue in 1983 was as brave as it gets. I´m sure that most people will know him or his name for the John Joubert case regarding the deaths of (Eberle & Walden). However, as great of a leader he was on that case, it doesn´t compare to the legacy he created as a husband, father, friend, colleague, and pillar of the entire community. It is 2025 now, and I had to write something no matter how long it´s been since Patrick´s passing because he sure made a strong impression on me. He was everything one could only dream of. His stance and dedication for justice and service was only outshined by his big heart which only matched his voice and stature. This man was truly a gift. Now he walks into a field of glowing glorious colors . He walks into pure white starlight dust surrounded by his loved ones, peers, and new friends as he smiles and stand in AWE in the presence of the All Mighty while walking in a perfect light. God bless you Mr. Thomas and thank you for your selfless service.
Julia Miguel
February 16, 2019
You were such an extraordinary sheriff, Pat. We will never forget your involvement in Eberle-Walden's case. Your sould will always bright there where you are.
Steven Rasmusen
October 3, 2010
My deepest thoughts and prayers go out to you, Joanne. You never met me, but I produced some of Sheriff Thomas commercials when he was running against John Stacey. I managed the production department at United Cable of Sarpy County just after the TCI merger and eventually the Cox acquisition. Your husband was one of the finest people I ever met. He truly cared about the service he provided. I was a long time resident of Sarpy County and would run into Pat at the fair, etc. He always remembered me and was truly genuine. I am a vice President at Bank of the West in Oklahoma now, but was in Omaha area this weekend and heard of your loss.
Please know that he will be missed in my heart and in your community. Blessings.... Steven Rasmusen (Johnson)
Jill Ozuna
September 30, 2010
JoAnn...My deepest sympathies with you and your family... Truly miss hearing all the latest stories about your family. I can't imagine the difficult transition you will be facing but you are one of the strongest women I ever knew and am honored to have known you and your family for so many years! Please take good care of yourself and keep the ladies at JB's in line! Jill and family
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Janet Oberembt
September 28, 2010
To the Thomas Family,
I had the pleasure of working for Sheriff Thomas and his daughter Jennifer while working for the C.A.R.E Program in Sarpy County. Over my few years there, I learned what a great person and mentor Sheriff Thomas was. He was a kind soul and really took an interest in all who worked for him. Those of us who were lucky enough to have had him in our lives are better for it. He will surely be missed by all. My condolences to the family. To Jennifer, his love for you was always evident. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Vickie Richardson-Devries
September 27, 2010
Deepest sympathy to the Thomas family.
Ruth Brazeal
September 27, 2010
Joanne and family--sincere sympathy to all of you.
Ruth Brazeal
Cindy Bartlett
September 27, 2010
I am sorry to hear of your loss may your memories keep you strong during this difficult time in your lives.
I remember a day that I had been out hunting one morning, I was discouraged because I had only gotten 2 birds, we stopped at Jimmy Johns to have a sandwich. As we walked in we saw Pat having lunch and I said hello and although I didn't know Pat very well we both recognize each other from the courthouse. Pat invited us to have a seat and eat lunch with him, maybe it was the camouflage we had on but it was a very enjoyable conversation and it was nice to hear about the sport that Pat enjoyed himself. During the conversation Pat had offered to take us hunting to encourage me to continue hunting, although we never took him up on that offer it was still very nice of him to offer and hear his stories.
You will be missed Pat Thomas.
Cindy Bartlett
Judy eaton
September 27, 2010
I am very sorry for the loss of Pat. I enjoyed working with and for him for over 30 years and he will be missed by many.
Sally & Gail Hennings
September 27, 2010
Sincere sympathies to the Pat Thomas family. Don't know if you knew, but some time ago, Mother used to make hard German cookies (Springerli) in addition to others and prepare cookie boxes for various people she was in contact with over the years. Dixon Adams was the recipient of one of these boxes of cookies. And he was a good friend of Pat's. On an outdoor outing together Dixon brought along some of Mom's cookies (these were definitely "dunkers") and offered one to Pat. Dixon said, "You should have seen Pat's face!" Think they both looked forward to those cookies each year and remembered the first time!!!!
Schmid Farms Corp.
Kim Swanger
September 27, 2010
I pray that God blesses the Thomas family and gives you comfort as you mourne. May Pat's legacy of guidance and service to others keep his book of "good deeds" open for a long time.
Pam Giangrosso
September 27, 2010
My deepest sympathy to the Thomas family. Pat was an honest and sincere person, and will be missed by all who knew him. May your memories comfort you during this difficult time.
jean miller
September 26, 2010
Sorry to hear of your loss, He was a great Sheriff. He will be missed. The Ham Family
jean miller
September 26, 2010
I am so sorry for your loss, May God Bless you and keep you strong through this difficult time. The Ham Family
jean miller
September 26, 2010
I am so sorry for your loss. He was a great sheriff in sarpy county. May god be with you in this time of sorrow.
September 26, 2010
He was a wonderful sheriff and a good friend to my dad. I feel your loss so much. May your memories give you comfort.
Elden & Madalyne Vonderschmidt
September 26, 2010
So sorry for your loss, he was a very special person & will be missed by all who knew him. May God grant you strength & comfort at this difficult time
Tammy Kirchofer
September 26, 2010
To Pat's Family -
We will miss seeing him smile and we feel your lost of a wonderful person.
god be with you -
the Kirchofer family
September 25, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time of grief. Patrick Thomas was a great guy. we thought very highly of your dad, Bruce & Gertie {Papillion, Neb}
Bill Fead
September 25, 2010
Thanks for your Service as Sheriff of the County
Ret. Hist. D.C.S.O.
Ginger Chandler
September 25, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Kim O'Hara Sautter
September 25, 2010
Pat - my thoughts and prayers are with you, your mom and sister.Your dad was a great guy. We thought very highly of your dad, my dad enjoyed knowing him and working with him.
Reni Champion
September 24, 2010
Jennifer, I have been thinking of you and your family since I heard the news. I am so sorry for the loss of your dad. It seems like just yesterday we were neighbors and going to Twin Ridge! Your dad was such a kind man, and it was so obvious how much he adored you! You, your mom, and Pat are in my prayers.
Reni (Carlson) Champion
Tammi Hartman
September 24, 2010
We are so sorry for your loss, May your memories stay strong.
Human Service - City Of Bellevue
Carolyn Horst
September 24, 2010
Joann, Jennifer and Pat: I am so sorry for your loss. Pat was very special to the class of 1958 from Falls City. I went from kindergarten through high school with him. I so enjoyed seeing him at class reunions. I am so proud to have known and been part of his life. He was and still is a very special man!
Matt Faircloth
September 24, 2010
I first met Pat when I was 14 years Old while eating with my Dad at a local Café. I expressed my interest in Law enforcement to him. We spoke for a while about my plans for the future. Then without me knowing Pat spoke with my father about me going on a ride-a-long with one of his deputies. That Saturday morning the door bell at the house rang, Dad said to me “you better answer that”. I then went and answered the door, when I opened it I was surprised to see a Deputy Sheriff standing there. He asked “Are you Matt”, I answered “Yes Sir” He then told me that the Sheriff wanted me to work with him that day. For the next 6 hours I rode shotgun in a Sarpy County Patrol Car, I was on top of the world you couldn’t have made me quit smiling. If ever there was a single event that made me want to be a cop it was that day. Next March will be the start of my tenth year in Law Enforcement as a Deputy Sheriff. I just wanted to let the family know how Pat influenced my life. I am sorry for your loss.
Kelly Engelkamp-Niemier
September 24, 2010
Pat - my thoughts are with you, your mom and sister. May your memories keep you strong!
nancy&bill stieneke
September 24, 2010
Jennifer, Pat and Joann, I am so very sorry to hear about you dad and husband. When I came to your house he made me feel at home. He is with God now. You will miss him but to be sure such a great guy God will shine his loving light on him. You will see him again. My God bless all of you and the angles wrap there wings around you for comfort. Nancy (Kinsella) Stieneke
Laura (Laurie) Novak
September 23, 2010
I worked as a dispatcher at Sarpy Co. Sheriff's Office from 1979-1983. Pat Thomas was a wonderful man. I was so saddened to learn of his passing. My husband, Lance,and I send our deepest sympathy to the family. I am proud to have had the opportunity to know him.
Laura Novak
September 23, 2010
I worked as a dispatcher at Sarpy Co. Sheriff's Office from 1979-1983. Pat Thomas was a wonderful man. I was so sorry to learn of his passing. My husband, Lance,and I send our deepest sympathy to the family. I am proud to have known him.
September 23, 2010
Joanne and family
So sorry for your loss.
Janice Hild
Terrence Kelley
September 23, 2010
To the Thomas Family
I met Sheriff Thomas thru my Father Jim Kelley. We all went fishing together in a small boat and if you knew Sheriff Thomas that was not always a good idea. He is a big Man. But that big Man had a big heart he made me fill like I knew him my hole life. A young man came with him his name was Jeff he was his deputy but he didn't get in the boat he was the smart one... I would like to say that he was a giant of a man with a heart of gold God bless you Sheriff Thomas and your Family. Now you can fish with my Father I hope the boat is a little bigger this time.Thank you for your Service to our Country.
Karen Simon
September 23, 2010
We will miss Pat at our class of 58 reunions in Falls City.
Karen Simon
Vicki Boepple
September 23, 2010
My deepest sympathy to you Pat and your family. He will be missed deeply.
Nick Schinker
September 23, 2010
He was a good man, a caring person and a good friend, back from my days and nights at the World-Herald. I will miss him.
Tony Grazziano
September 23, 2010
Pat Thomas was the Andy Taylor of Sarpy County. He put together one of the finest law enforcement agencies in America. He helped mold a lot of good law enforcement officers in Nebraska and he made sure he knew what was going on in his county and if you ever needed anything he was only a phone call away. My sympathy to his family and friends.
Michael Greco
September 23, 2010
Having served on the Sarpy County Sheriff's Merit Commission I came to know & understand the dedication Pat had for maintaining & improving the law enforcement within the county. A truly compassionate & loyal servant who
served his community & country well.He was truly a john Wayne figure & will be missed
Mike Greco
Rod and Kelly Ripley
September 23, 2010
The Movie Walking Tall had Pat described to a Tee. One Heck of a Man. Hes going to be Missed our thoughts and Prayers to all.
Ann Leary
September 23, 2010
Jennifer,
Sorry to hear of the loss of your father. He was a great person and will be greatly missed. I remember meeting him when I was a kid and was in awe of him and then to work for him when I was older was an honor. You and your family are in my prayers.
Liz Hier
September 23, 2010
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Steve Schworer
September 23, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Nanci Rinderknecht
September 23, 2010
My deepest sympathy to the family,Pat was one of a kind he touched so many lives in Sarpy County he will surely be missed.
Robin Kratina
September 23, 2010
Memory: Driving in the car with him; singing and driving soooo slow and he would always say "Robin, I'm sending you into a lion's den, you need to take it like a man" :-)
Most memorable moment: Pat talking to suspect who has taken hostages at gun point, we have been in a stand-off for several hours; "now come on out, this has gone on long enough, my guys are all tired and hungry and want to go home" Suspect to Pat(keep in mind this is an eight plus hours stand off): "o.k. Sheriff"...walks out of the apartment and hands over his gun. We stand there with our mouths hanging open!
He was the right man for his time.
Cheryl Gushard
September 23, 2010
Joanne, I am so sorry to hear about Pat! He was a great man and very well respected by the entire community! My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this very difficult time!
John Packett
September 23, 2010
Having known Sheriff Pat for many years, I am sad to hear of his passing. He made my years with the La Vista PD pleasurable and Sarpy County is a better place today because of Pat.
R Mansfield
September 23, 2010
The loss of this big man with a compassionate heart will leave a huge void in our lives. He was admired by many for his strong morals and inebriating smile, not to mention a great story teller.
God be with his family and friends. . .share the good memories.
Karen Corbett
September 23, 2010
Pat, you were like a second dad to me when my father died and my family was so blessed to have been so close to you. I remember when you would come to the house when mom and dad were both living and wanting to have Lebanese food cooked. I think your favorite was the green beans and lamb you would have me make for you. Now you are in Heaven and my dad and mom will take you by the hand and show you around and knowing my mom she made you a big Lebanese dinner. Not only have you touched my heart in so many ways, but my own family. My son loved working for you in the summer. You would be proud of him, Pat! He is going to college and is in his second year going into law enforcement. He said he wanted to be like my dad and you. He said you have done alot for Sarpy County. Just remember that there is no more pain and enjoy your new life. We love you and miss you! Karen, Ron, Stephanie, Katie, and Chuck Corbett
Gary Keim
September 23, 2010
So sorry to hear of Pat's unexpected passing. I had the pleasure of getting to know Pat when he first took over at the Sarpy County Sheriff's Office. We worked together on many things for the next 12 years until I transferred to Kearney. I am sure he is all ready missed.
May the Lord be with his family in this time of need. The trail will soon level off and seem more easily travelled. God Speed, Pat.
Gary & Jaynette Keim
irma allen
September 23, 2010
im sorry for your loss i didnt know him that well but the times i did meet him he was really nice so sorry irma and charlie
September 23, 2010
Pat was an amazing men. He would come in to midlands hospital and i would make him breakfast all the time. He would joke with me and i would always joke back with him. He touched so many lives. god rest ur soul Pat. alot of good memories we had. He would help me out alot with people. RIP!
Mary Freeburg Dahlin
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John A. Gentleman Mortuaries - Bellevue/Sarpy County Chapel3402 Samson Way, Bellevue, NE 68123
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