Thomas M. Phifer, age 71, of North Platte, Nebraska died peacefully on Wednesday, June 30 surrounded by his family.
Tom was born on September 6, 1949, to Clarence and Beulah (Hopping) Phifer. He grew up in North Platte and attended Platte Valley School. It was here that he became lifelong friends with Mike McCrone. He graduated from Hershey High School in 1967. Tom served our country in the Army for two years before being honorably discharged. When he returned home, he was set up on a blind date with Mona Curtis, who became Mrs. Phifer just five months later. They recently celebrated their 49th wedding anniversary. He then received an Associate’s Degree from Mid Plains Voc Tech in Building Construction before starting a 40-year long career as a conductor with the Union Pacific.
Later in life, he developed a passion for meticulously repairing and restoring vintage items including gas pumps, pedal cars, gas cans, gumball machines, and his last project was a parking meter! His most prized restoration was an award-winning 1966 Ford Mustang GT Fastback. Aside from his hobbies, Grandpa Tom was very devoted and influential in his grandchildren’s lives and he adored all of them. Their memories of their Grandpa Tom doting on them will sustain them as they grieve their loss. His friends and family will remember him for his quick wit and that he always put the happiness and needs of others before his own.
Tom is survived by his wife, Mona; their children, Michelle (Mark) Roberson of Wichita, KS, and Ryan (Michelle) Phifer of Olathe, KS; their grandchildren, Miriam Young, Greta Young, Ayden Phifer, and Jace Phifer; his brother, Ken (Patty) Phifer of North Platte, NE.
Tom is preceded in death by his parents; and his brother, John.
Celebration of Life and burial of ashes will be held on Tuesday, July 6 at 9:30 am at Fort McPherson National Cemetery in Maxwell, Nebraska, including full military honors, with Chaplain Ned Cooper officiating. Visitation will be on Saturday, July 3 from Noon-7:00pm at Carpenter Memorial Chapel, with family receiving friends from 4:00-6:00pm.
Memorials to honor Tom’s life will be forwarded to the North Platte Community College Knights Cage Club which supports the men’s basketball team.
The service will be livestreamed via Carpenter Chapel’s Facebook page. Carpenter Memorial Chapel is entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences and sharing of memories may be directed to www.carpentermemorial.com.