Tom Prentice

Thomas LeRoy Prentice was born on October 3, 1926 at the Prentice Homestead near Mullen to Robert and Elsie Prentice.  He graduated from Mullen High School in 1944.  Tom served in the United States Army from January of 1951 through October of 1952.  While home on leave he married Esther Standlea on May 1, 1951 at Halsey, NE.  Tom and Esther lived north of Mullen where they ranched.  In 1988, Tom and Esther retired and moved into Mullen.  Tom kept busy after retirement.  He did carpentry work (falling off a roof at the age of 80), carried mail, and mowed at the Mullen golf course. Tom liked to recycle. People would bring him cans, wire, and plastic bottles to sort. Tom was very active in the American Legion and VFW.  When he was younger, he enjoyed playing softball.  

On November 14, 2002 Esther passed away.  Tom eventually moved into the Pioneer Memorial Nursing Home.  While in the nursing home he kept busy. He spent many hours coloring pictures with colored pencils.   His pictures were displayed at the county fair and even at the Mullen Art Center.  

Survivors include his children; Alice Springer of Dunning, Barbara Gillett of Grand Island, LeRoy (Gina) Prentice of Grand Island, and Ann Marie (Doug) Shinn of Dunning, eight grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren, a brother Robert (Bonnie) Prentice of Mullen, his sisters Evelyn Prentice of Oregon, Myra Fackler of Wellfleet, and Mildred Szwanek of Mullen, a sister-in-law and brother-in-law Joanne and Ken Saner of Alda, and  a special friend Martha Boyer of Mullen.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, sons-in-law Gil Springer and Glenn Gillett, brother Wayne and infant brother Wesley.