Thomas Rhian

Thomas "Tom" Woodruff Rhian, 77, of Pawnee City, Nebraska, passed away Friday, May 23, 2025.   He was born to Morris and Ellen (Woodruff) Rhian on January 14, 1948 in Lansing, Michigan. After graduating from high school in Bel Air, Maryland, Tom attended Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colorado, where he graduated in 1972 with a degree in agriculture.

In 1969, Tom married his first wife, Paula Jean Zibell, while in college.  Their first child, Shane, was born in 1970, followed by Jessica in 1975 and Lee in 1980.  In 2004, Tom married his second wife Sandra "Sandy" Babbitt.  Tom retired from truck driving in 2023, closing Rhian Transfer, Inc.  Tom was the primary caregiver to his late wife Sandy, until her passing in January 2025.

Tom is survived by his three children, Shane, Jessica and Lee, step-daughter Carrie, nine grandchildren, James, Michael, Gabrielle, Scott, Nathan, Rebecca, Cassie, Brandon and Amberly, as well as his siblings, Gail and Jean.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Morris and Ellen, sisters Margaret and Ann, wife Sandra and ex-wife Paula. 

Visitation with family greeting friends will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., Saturday, June 7, 2025 at the Wherry Mortuary, Pawnee City, Nebraska.

Memorials in lieu of flowers may be made to the Nebraska Public Media Foundation.

Online condolences may be left @ www.wherrymortuary.com.

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