Thomas James Bader, 45, of Lexington, Nebraska, died Friday, August 31st, 2012, at the Cozad Community Hospital, the result of a motorcycle accident in Cozad.

He was born August 20th, 1967, in Colorado Springs, Colorado, to Donald and Margaret (Waldmann) Bader. As a baby Tom moved with his family to Lexington where he attended elementary school, junior high and graduated in 1985, from Lexington High School.  While in school, Tom was involved in track and football. He was also a member of the Honor Society. Following graduation, he furthered his education by attending the University of Nebraska and Kearney State College.

Tom had a diverse working career as he was talented in so many areas of his life. He worked at Lexington COOP, Nebraskaland Tire, and at the time of his death worked as a Material Handler with Tyson Fresh Meats.

He met and married the love of his life, Amy Chapman, on June 12th, 2010, in a beautiful ceremony in Estes Park, Colorado.

Tom's interests were as varied as his personality, but his favorites were riding his motorcycle, waterskiing, jet skiing, sports and music. He never knew a stranger and could carry on a conversation about anything with anybody. He had a smile that could light up the room and had a true "heart of gold". His nieces and nephew, extended family, friends and neighbors all meant the world to him.

Survivors include his wife: Amy Bader of Lexington, Nebraska; mother: Marge Bader of Johnson Lake, Nebraska; brother: Jerry (Shelly) Bader of Arvada, Colorado; father-in-law and mother-in-law: Randy and Judy Chapman of Lexington, Nebraska; sister-in-law: Sara (Vic) Gomez of Kearney, Nebraska; nieces and nephew:  Madison and Lauren Bader of Arvada, Colorado, Katie and Sam Gomez of Kearney, Nebraska; aunts: Connie Cormany of Minneapolis, Minnesota; Rita (Craig) Osborn of Omaha, Nebraska; Karen Erikson Waldmann of Scottsdale, Arizona.

Tom was preceded in death by his grandparents; dad, Don in 2002; and two uncles, Larry Waldmann and Bill Cormany.

Mass of Christian Burial was Wednesday, September 5th, 2012, at 11 a.m. at St. Ann's Catholic Church in Lexington with Reverends Neal Nollette, Jorge Canela and Paul Colling con-celebrating.
Memorials are suggested to the Family for later designation.

The family has honored Tom's wishes that his body be cremated following the Mass with his ashes inurned at a later date at Robb Cemetery south of Lexington.

Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington was in charge of arrangements. Please forward online condolences to the family through:  reynoldslovefuneralhome.com.