Thomas Edward Mengel, age 76, of North Platte, NE died Saturday, July 23, 2016, at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, NE.

Tom was born May 13, 1940, to Francis Marion and Virginia F. McBride Mengel at Rock Springs, WY. He grew up in North Platte and graduated from North Platte High School in 1959. Tom then joined the U.S. Navy in September and later served on the USS Hancock. Following his discharge in 1963 he returned to North Platte.

On August 27, 1961, Tom was united in marriage to Edith LaRue Clark at Fort Lewis, WA. Together they raised four children and shared a lifetime of love.

Tom hired on with the Union Pacific Railroad in 1963 as an IBM Clerk and was known to those he worked with as “Pliers”. After 40 years he retired in 2003. Along with his job, Tom also made time to serve as a volunteer fireman, drive a school bus and serve on the Maxwell Village Board and Maxwell Athletic Club.

He was baptized in the Berean Fundamental Church and was a member of the V.F.W. Post #1504, P.R. Halligan Post #163 American Legion and F.O. Eagles Aries #2839. Tom was an avid outdoors man who enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping. Over the years he taught children about bow hunting, archery, hunter safety and helped with an Awana church group. Most of all, Tom loved his family. He enjoyed watching his kids, grandkids and great-grandkids play sports.

Tom leaves behind his wife of 55 years, LaRue, of North Platte; their children, Rochelle (Mark) Miller, of North Platte, Thomas (Sharlene) Mengel, of Bellevue, NE, Tylon Mengel (Karen Thummel), of Colby, KS, and Trent (Pam) Mengel, of LaVista, NE; sister, Patricia Hanson, of Sandy, UT; sisters-in-law, Ann (Don), Carrie and Susan; and brothers-in-law, Danny, Dennis (Heidi) and Tom.

Survivors also include 18 grandchildren, Chris (LeAnn), Brandy (Shane), Lisa (John), Shane (Lindee), Marcus, Hunter, Jillian, Kala (Shawn), Sean, Skyler (Richard), Haley, Morgan (Ben), Brianna, Taylor (Coulter) Braden, Teigan, Jacobbie and Kegan; 14 great-grandchildren, Casey, Natalia, Cooper, Jacob, Jordan, Jenna, Emerson, Braelee, Landyn, Reese, Zander, Easton, Baylor and Ruger; nieces, Julie (Tom), Lisa (Jerry), Christy (Tom), Megan and Genny (Jay); nephews, Barrett (Susie), Casey (Ashlie) and Derek (Cindi); many great-nephews and great-nieces including, Cheyenne, and her mother, Tami, and Maggie; and other family members.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Francis and Virginia; brother-in-law, Richard Hanson; mother-in-law, Charlotte Woodall; and father-in-law, Lon Clark.

Funeral Service will be 1 p.m. Wednesday, July 27, 2016, at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore with George Cheek officiating. Burial with military honors will follow in Fort McPherson National Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore, which is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may also be shared at odeanchapel.com. Memorials are suggested to Maranatha Bible Camp.