Thomas “Tom” James Roach, 80, of Papillion, NE, formerly of Las Vegas, passed away on September 22, 2024, in Papillion. He was born January 22, 1944 in Lincoln, NE and graduated from St. Joseph Catholic High School (Beatrice) in 1962.

Tom was an Air Force Veteran and an avid sports fan, but his true passion was simply celebrating life every day to the fullest with family and friends. Tom was known for his unique ability to keep everyone around him engaged and entertained with his infectious story-telling abilities. He truly brought joy and laughter to others. Tom will be missed by those who knew him, but we can take comfort in knowing that somewhere, somehow, he is putting a smile on someone’s face.

Survivors include his, son, Todd Roach of Atlanta, GA; daughter Jessica Klintworth (Chad) of Fremont, NE; two grandchildren; sisters, Sister Barbara Roach of Waverly, NE and Mary Roach of Omaha; brothers, Joe Roach of Orlando, FL, Ted (Carey) Roach of Redmond, OR, and Bill (Brenda) Roach of Omaha; sisters-in-law, Beverly Roach of Wahoo, NE and Debbie Roach of Maquoketa, IA; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, and great-great nieces and great-great nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Barbara (McGinley) Roach; brothers, Michael Roach and Dick Roach; sister, Ellen Bergman and sister, Pat Roach who passed away just hours before Tom on the same day.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Friday, October 4, 2024, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 612 High Street, Beatrice with Father Joseph Faulkner as Celebrant. A Scriptural Rosary will be held at 1:30 P.M. on Friday prior to mass. Inurnment will be held at a later date at the Fort Scott National Cemetery of Fort Scott, Kansas. Cremation has taken place and there will be no viewing. A register book will be available on Thursday, October 3, 2024, from noon until 8:00 P.M. In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established to the St. Joseph Catholic Church, Beatrice. www.foxfuneralhome.net Arrangements entrusted to Fox Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Beatrice.