Tim Holcomb

KEARNEY - Tim Holcomb, 47, of Kearney died Tuesday, July 3, 2012, at the Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha.

Private family memorial services will be at a later date.

O'Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Holcomb was born Sept. 14, 1964, in Loup City to Doug and Donette (Lewandowski) Holcomb.

He married Dianne Quinn on June 29, 1985, in Burwell.

Survivors of the immediate family include his wife; two daughters and one son-in-law, Kirbie and David Swanson of Kearney and Jessie Holcomb of Kearney; his parents, of Arcadia; five brothers and sisters-in-law, Steve and Denise Holcomb of Arcadia, Kevin and Cheryl Holcomb of Arcadia, Terry and Stephanie Holcomb of Grand Island, Todd and Tammy Holcomb of Cairo and Craig and Amy Holcomb of Gibbon; and two sisters and brothers-in-law, Michelle and Doug Hickman of Arcadia and Chris and Lenny Beall of North Platte.

Also surviving are one grandson, Noah Swanson of Kearney; his mother-in-law, Frances Quinn of Burwell; three brothers-in-law, Gary, David and John Quinn; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Tim was the fifth child of a large, Polish-Catholic family. He grew up in Arcadia and attended Arcadia Public School. He graduated in 1982 and then went to Kearney State College. In May 2010, he received a bachelor of general studies from the University of Nebraska at Kearney and showed his friends and family the power of hard work and determination.

He and Dianne lived in Arcadia, where their daughter Kirbie joined them. Their second daughter, Jessie, was born while living in Grand Island. Career changes took the family to Columbus, Hastings, Loup City and back to Kearney in 2005. He was a member of the Sons of the American Legion and enjoyed outdoor hunting sports, camping, gardening, fishing and his Vizslas. He was a member of the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers with his publishing company.

Tim was a seasoned, authentic country performer who shared the stage with some of the biggest names in country music. He exuded the perfect mix of professionalism and approachability that endeared him to a loyal fan base or anyone who saw and heard him for the first time. Tim's appreciation for life could be heard in his music. He recorded "Cowboy on the Run" at Willie Nelson's famous Pedernales Studios in Austin, Texas, and it achieved international success in Europe. He shared that gift just as the Lord wanted him to, and his music has touched people across the nation and around the world. In addition to sharing beautiful music, he used his voice to help those less fortunate, becoming involved in fundraising for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

It was because of his music that he began a new career with Professional Bull Riding and made acquaintances who became friends from performances across the state and nation. He was instrumental in twice taking PBR bull riding to Fairbanks and Anchorage, Alaska. Recently, he decreased his involvement and was only doing the production and provided sound at a select few bull riding events. He had provided assistance to Justin McBride's cologne deal and had plans to develop new distribution sites.

He was employed by Goodwill Industries through the Buffalo County Probation Office as a group facilitator and cognitive behavioral change journaling specialist until November 2011. He was trained in Breaking Barriers Journaling Therapy and a Financial Peace facilitator to assist probation participants that were at high risk and repeat offenders.

Tim was diagnosed with chronic myloid leukemia on May 12, 2003. He faced the grotesque cancer monster with grace and trust in God's plan for his life. He was on chemotherapy for nine years until his leukemia became stronger, resistant to the different drugs and formed mutations. A stem cell transplant from his brother Kevin occurred on Valentine's Day, but the CML relapsed.

He was inspired to return to his music career, promoting western events, songwriting and spending time with his first grandson, Noah. Even at his lowest, he taught us trust, courage, hope, love and acceptance. He entered into his battle with cancer not knowing the outcome; he trusted God.

Tim was an amazing person with gifted talent, and his legacy lives on in numerous ways and music that will continue to touch hearts. He remains vibrant through immediate family, godchildren, extended family, partners, co-workers, UNMC medical staff that provided care, fans and the many, many friends whose lives he touched.

Memorials are suggested to the family for future designation.

Online condolences or personal reflections may be submitted at www.osrfh.com.

Sign the guestbook at theindependent.com/obits.