Thomas L. Burrell

Thomas L. Burrell, aged 92 of Max, Nebraska, passed away August 6, 2024, at the Imperial Manor in Imperial, Nebraska. Thomas was born on February 12, 1932, in Stratton, Nebraska, to parents Henry P. and Myrtle J. Clements Burrell. Thomas grew up near Max, Nebraska, where he attended school and graduated from Parks High School in 1950.

 Tom enlisted in the U.S. Navy on February 13, 1951, he was assigned to the USS Scabbardfish SS 397. Tom was honorably discharged on February 11, 1955, and was very proud to have served his country.

 Soon after his discharge from the service, Tom took a farm job near Oberlin, Kansas, where he met his future wife Glenva Beneda. Tom and Glenva were married on April 8, 1956, at the Methodist Church in Oberlin, Kansas. To this union, five children were born. The couple soon moved near to Max, Nebraska. Tom worked for Raichart Ranch then moved to McCook for a short time where he was employed with Permastone. In April of 1956, the couple moved to the George Russell farmstead and started farming. On September 14, 1958, the couple were blessed with their first child, a daughter Karmin and then followed by four sons, Monte, Todd, Clay and Clint. Tom’s greatest joys were spending time with his family. The family all worked together tending to the farm jobs. Tom spent many hours taking his young family fishing.

 Tom and Glenva enjoyed their kids’ school and sports events, rarely missing anything they were involved in. Tom dearly loved his grandchildren and attended their school and sports activities when possible. Tom also enjoyed several of the grandsons and granddaughter helping on the farm at harvest time and putting up hay.

 In 1972, Tom received the Outstanding Young Farmer award. Tom served on the Benkelman School Board for eight years as well as several other county boards. When he began to cut down on his farm work, he started on his woodworking, making many beautiful pieces of furniture and wall shelves for all of his family. 

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, two half-sisters Mary Selby and Louida Selby, his brother-in-law Harve Selby, his aunt and uncle Gladys and Horace Clements, who he lived with after his parents’ death, a niece Fern Benge and nephews LeRoy Selby and Don Selby.

 Those left to celebrate Tom’s life are his wife Glenva of over 68 years, sons Monte (Julie) Burrell of Wauneta, NE, Todd (Julie) Burrell of Benkelman, NE, Clay Burrell of Benkelman, NE, Clint Burrell of Parks, NE, daughter Karmin (Cliff) Church of Rapid City, SD, two brothers-in-law Orlin and Elvin Beneda of Oberlin, KS, eight grandchildren Justin Church of Greeley, CO, Leah (Matt) Harris of Chadron, NE, Cade Burrell of Kearney, NE, Carson (Bethany) Burrell of Hickman, NE, Leslie (Trevor) Franzen of Salina, KS, Morgan (Jenna) Burrell of Benkelman, NE, Taryn Burrell of Cozad, NE, Nolan (Riley Bortner, girlfriend) of Kearney, NE, eight great grandchildren Gavin and Garrett Harris, Amelia, Ella, Olivia and Thomas Franzen, Charlotte and Ava Burrell. 

 Tom will be remembered as a man of deep faith who loved the Lord and his family. Tom’s recollections of his time in the navy and motorcycle adventures will be fondly remembered by his family. 

A private family graveside service to be held. 

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.liewerfuneralhome.com 

Liewer Funeral Home was entrusted with arrangements.