Thomas Lee Barnes

Thomas L. Barnes, 79, of Albion, NE formerly of Newman Grove, NE passed away on Saturday, January 14, 2023, at Bryan Medical Center in Lincoln, NE.

Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, January 25, 2023, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Newman Grove, NE with Deacon Claire Meyer officiating. Visitation will be held from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday at Trinity Lutheran Church. A private family inurnment will take place at a later date at Hope Cemetery at Newman Grove.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the family for later designation.

Levander Funeral Home, Albion and Newman Grove are in charge of arrangements.

Thomas Lee Barnes, son of Lysle and Irene (Hallgren) Barnes, was born on January 22, 1943 in Newman Grove, NE. He was confirmed May 25, 1958 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Newman Grove, NE. Tom attended Newman Grove Public Schools at graduated with the class of 1960. After graduation Tom served as a medic in the United States Army for two years.

On September 19, 1970, Tom was united in marriage to Linda LaVonne Kissell in Sargent, NE. The two made their home in Newman Grove, NE where Tom owned Tommy's Tap. In 1971 with a baby on the way they moved to Lincoln, NE where Tom worked for a Russ's Super Market. After some encouragement and assistance from several local businessmen, Tom and Linda moved back to Newman Grove and purchased the grocery store in 1972. Through the years they were blessed with three children: Tim, Eric and Katrina. After owning and operating Barnes Mini Mart for 40 years, they retired and sold their business in 2012. Sadly, Linda passed away in 2015.

Tom married Velma Mielak on June 22, 2019 and moved to Albion, NE where they lived until his passing.

Tom was a life-long member of Trinity Lutheran Church where he had served on the church council. He was also a member of  Newman Grove Fire and Rescue, Newman Grove Housing Authority, Newman Grove Community Club, and sat on the board for Mid-Nebraska Lutheran Home.

Tom relished spending time outside with the peacocks, pigeons, turkeys, chickens and multitude of other animals that he raised. He enjoyed taking his kids on vacations where he would often travel well out of the way to visit family members or friends. Wherever Tom traveled he always seemed to run into someone that he knew. Tom was a true Husker football fan and regardless of how the season was going, he would make the trip to Lincoln to watch and cheer on the Huskers. Most days you could find him at one of the local establishments enjoying a cup of coffee and catching up with his many friends. In his later years, he enjoyed watching Hallmark movies and driving around the countryside with Velma to see friends and family.

Tom is survived by his wife: Velma Mielak of Albion, NE; children: Tim (Johanna) Barnes of Wayne, NE; Eric (Stacy) Barnes of Iowa City, IA; Katrina Barnes (Bob Hubert) of Chicago, IL; grandchildren: Claire (Jorge) Adame of Elkhorn, NE; Elle Barnes of Wayne, NE; Laine, Lachlan, and Leni  Barnes all of Iowa City, IA; Henry Hubert of Chicago, IL; his brother: Gale (Deanna) Barnes of Columbus, NE; his sister: Karen Weelborg of Blair, NE; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Linda Barnes; a nephew Jeff Barnes; and a great nephew Taylor Sansoni.