Thomas E. McCawley

January 8, 1922 - March 14, 2017

Thomas E. McCawley, 95, passed away on Tuesday, March 14, 2017 at the Hospice House in Omaha. IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, The family has asked that memorials be given for Hospice House, The Josie Harper Residence, Omaha, or Aquinas High School, David City. No viewing but family will greet friends on Friday, March 17, 2017 from 6:00pm until 7:00pm at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Bellwood. Thomas E. McCawley, was born on January 8, 1922 to Thomas and Carol(Campbell) McCawley in Omaha, Nebraska. He graduated from Omaha South High School in 1941 and enlisted in the Navy Reserves in 1942. In 1943, he joined the Marine Corp and was awarded the "Air Medal" for his service on Iwo Jima before being honorably discharged in 1946. Tom married Dolores B. Peters on June 8, 1946. Eight children were born to this union. Tom worked for the Investigative Unit Federal Department in St. Louis for 16 years. He then moved back to Bellwood to farm, and where he later became the Postmaster for 8 years until his retirement. Tom liked to keep active and was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed farming, working the land, whether that was clearing trees or planting crops. He loved spending time with his large family, especially his grandchildren and being a part of their lives. Tom was a member of the American Legion and the VFW. He also enjoyed coin and stamp collecting. Tom is survived by his wife, Dolores, children: Mike (Mary Helgoth) of Omaha, Tom (Pam Grubaugh), of Omaha, Steve (Cindy Alt), the Colony, Texas, Mary (Jeff) Didier, of Schuyler, Dan (Cathy Stara) of Rising City, Lynn (Pat) Brannen of Omaha, Lori (Robert) Santella, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and John (Laurie Hilger), of Omaha. 23 Grandchildren and 36 Great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, and beloved first granddaughter, Megan McCawley Boever.