Thomas Jay Warren, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully at his home in North Platte, Nebraska, on April 15, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Born on May 16, 1943, in Lexington, Nebraska, Tom’s life was one marked by devotion, craftsmanship, and faith.

Tom graduated from Lexington High School before proudly serving his country in the United States Air Force. He and his beloved wife Mary McMichael were united in marriage on May 24, 1963, in Illinois. After completing his service in Minot, North Dakota, they made their home in North Platte, Nebraska. There, Tom built with the McMichael and Sauer company but also a legacy of hard work through his employment with Haws Plywood, Dowhower Construction, and the City of North Platte.

Known for his welcoming spirit, Tom delighted in meeting friends for coffee at Arby's and Penny's Diner, finding joy in simple gatherings and shared conversations. The New Years Holiday was something Tom always looked forward to, where he would gather with Dick, Janice, Gary, and Judy to watch football. Tom’s love extended profoundly to his family, including his grandchildren and treasured fur babies by running Papa’s Daycare in his retirement. Handy and resourceful, he took pleasure in fixing things around the home and was an ardent follower of football, all while grounding his life in his steadfast faith.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents Stanley & Margery (Raetz) Warren, his wife Mary, his sister Connie Garringer, and brother-in-law Michael Osenton. He is survived by his three children: Ilene (David) Hale of Olathe, Kansas; Julie (Brad) Messersmith of North Platte, Nebraska; and James (Carla) Warren of North Platte, Nebraska. His spirit lives on through his grandchildren: Christopher “Pho” (Kayla) Hale of Ann Arbor, Michigan; Josh (Haley) Hernandez of Bellevue, Nebraska; Micaelia Hernandez of North Platte, Nebraska; Daniel Barhite of Salem, Oregon; and Jennifer (Chris) Roney of Lincoln, Nebraska. He was further blessed with great-grandchildren Harmony (Carson Hester) Velazquez and Keanna Jo Roney, both of Lincoln, Nebraska. He is also mourned by his sister Bonnie Osenton of Raytown, Missouri; brother-in-law Jerry Garringer of Holdrege, Nebraska; numerous other family members and friends; and his beloved grand dogs Cleveland Brown, Cash, Willa, Etta James, and Lucy Lou.

Friends and family will gather to pay their respects and celebrate Tom’s cherished life, beginning with a closed casket visitation at Tom’s request on April 20, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Carpenter Memorial Chapel, 1616 W B St, North Platte, NE 69101. The memorial service will be held on April 21, 2026, at 11:30 AM at Harvest Christian Fellowship, 1501 S Dewey, North Platte, NE 69101. Following the service, burial will take place at Fort McPherson National Cemetery, 12004 S Spur 56A, Maxwell, NE 69151, at 1:00 PM. As per Tom’s request, casual attire is requested.

Thomas Jay Warren’s legacy endures in the hearts of all who knew him—a man who lived with grace, strength, and unwavering love. His memory will forever be treasured by those whose lives he so deeply touched.