Thomas Ray Prasch, 78, formerly of Lexington, died in his sleep on February 11, 2026, at the Central Nebraska Veteran's Home in Kearney, with hospice care nearby. His brothers Steve and David, and daughter Katie had been with him just before.

He was born on July 26, 1947. He was the first of four boys born to Don and Betty Prasch of Lexington, Nebraska. Thom grew up on the farm just east of Lexington and became the big brother and mentor of his younger siblings; Steven (1948), Chris (1949), and David (1950). He attended Pershing Elementary, then St. Ann’s High School where he graduated in 1965.

Thom had many friends in high school and played the sports offered although the first time he tackled the “football dummy”, he broke his arm. He was one of the first from St. Ann’s to pole vault and taught his younger brothers on the farm how to land in straw. He brought friends out to play basketball in the haymow, and they would leave covered in sweat and dust. Thom and three other “buddies” signed up for the Army right after graduation, and Thom had to get his father’s signature because he was still just seventeen years old. Four years in the Army required him to go to the Vietnam War serving in communication and intelligence gathering.

After the service, he enrolled in college in California for two years. Thom met and married Linda Evans who had a daughter, Angie. They lived in Lexington for a while then moved to Oregon where Katie was born. Thom went into the Central Nebraska Veterans Home in 2006 after battling addiction to drugs, which had started in Viet Nam. The wonderful staff cared for Thom for twenty years until his death. He had developed diabetes, but his body rejected dialysis after more than two years of having the process three times a week.

Thom is survived by his brothers Steven and David (Reba), his daughter Angie (Ken) from Veneta, Oregon, and his daughter Katie, from Eugene, Oregon. Four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren as well as many nieces and nephews and many friends mourn his passing.

His father, Don, had died in 2001, and his mother passed in 2021. Brother Chris had been killed in a farm accident in 1969.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, February 20, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington with Father Jose Chavez officiating.

Burial with Military Honors will be held at St. Ann's Catholic Cemetery in Lexington.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 19, 2026, from 6-7 p.m. at Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington. There will be a rosary to follow at 7:00 p.m.

Memorials are kindly suggested to the Lexington chapter of American Veterans.

Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences with the family by visiting: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com