Michael Leon Thomas

Michael Leon Thomas, 74, of Miami Beach, Florida, and formerly of Brule, Nebr., died February 14, 2015, in New Haven, Conn. Michael was born February 8, 1941, in North Platte, Nebr., the son of Leon and Emma (nee Duffey) Thomas. He graduated from Ogallala High School in 1958 and turned down an appointment to Annapolis to attend University of Nebraska Lincoln where he studied mechanical engineering and became President of the Nebraska Young Democrats. In 1964, Michael trained as a naval aviator at Corpus Christi, TX. In 1969, he left the Navy as Lieutenant Commander and went on to become a Captain with PanAm. Michael and his wife Lola made their home in Miami Beach, Fla. Over the next twenty years they built their real estate business--developing hotels and land along the coast of Florida. In 2005, Michael foresaw an opportunity in farming, and decided to expand their real estate operation in Nebraska. Today, nearly ten years later, Thomas Land Company is a sophisticated ranching and farming operation that is a testament to Michael's vision. Preceding him in death was his son John Thomas. Survivors include his wife Lola Thomas; his son Michael Thomas, Jr.; and his two daughters: Lili Thomas Buffett and her husband Howard W. Buffett, and Lynn Thomas. An industrious and sharp business man, Michael will be most remembered as a loving father and husband. Visitation will be Thursday, Feb. 19, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. in Draucker Funeral Home. The Mass will be recited at 11 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 20, in the Ogallala St. Lukes Catholic Church, preceded by the Rosary Service at 10:30 a.m. with the Rev. Bryan Ernest the Celebrant. Military honors will be rendered by the Navy Funeral Honors Team. A memorial has been established in his memory.

Service Information A service summary is not available