Thomas Elbert Neice

Thomas Elbert Neice passed away on December 10, 2016 surrounded by his wife and family. He was born on September 30th, 1928 in Galva, Illinois, was a man of honor who had a passion for music and education, unwavering love for his family and Jesus Christ.
The youngest son of Thomas E. and Grace Edna Neice, he grew up in Galva and graduated Galva High in 1946 where he played basketball and was a leader in the band. While growing up he showed great talents and a passion for music which shaped his life forever. During high school, he met and later married the beautiful Bonnie Mae Mohler on December 23rd, 1950. He was a master trumpet player who played in dance and big bands during his high school and college years.
Thomas earned a Bachelor's degree in Music Education at Western Illinois University. He was also a graduate of the Navy School of Music program. During the Korean War he was director of the Army 101st Airborne Division Band at Camp Breckinridge, KY. After serving his country he subsequently earned his Masters and Doctoral degrees at the University of Illinois. After graduation Thomas and Bonnie moved their family to Oshkosh, WI, where he accepted a position as Professor of Music at the Oshkosh State Teachers College (University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh).
In the fall of 1962, as the then-new band director Thomas started the "Marching Titans". The Marching Titans were active and played at football games, parades, pep rallies and public performances through the 1960's and 1970's. The band also performed a Thanksgiving-themed halftime show at the November 18, 1962 Green Bay Packers home football game. The game and halftime show were televised nationwide on CBS. Recognizing the exploding growth of the music industry, he also started the popular Music Merchandising program at UWO in the 1970's.
Thomas taught brass instrumental, music theory, arranging, music merchandising and band at UWO for 36 years before retiring with Bonnie to Texas to be near his children and grandchildren. A life-long educator, he was loved by his students and had a positive impact on many lives. He was also active in Boy Scouts leadership, a part-time member of the Green Bay Packer Band, and was a highly respected high-school band judge across the Midwest.
He was preceded by his parents, Thomas Elmer and Grace Edna Neice and his siblings, David, Maxine, Helen, and Mary Alice. Today he leaves behind his loving wife, Bonnie Mae, and his children, Thomas Edward and his wife Jody, Daniel Scott and his wife Julie, and 5 grandchildren (Alicia, Natalie, Jennifer, Darcy, Nicholas) and his great grandson Cayden. Thomas was known by all for his banter, humor and he was a master of puns, often delivering at an unexpected moment and brightening the moods of all. His sense of humor, love and loyalty will be deeply missed by all that entered into his life.
There will be a celebration of his life Saturday, December 17, 2016 from 1:00 - 3:00 PM at Allen Family Funeral Options, 2120 W. Spring Creek Pkwy, Plano, TX 75023. Thomas will be interred at the Dallas Fort Worth National Cemetery where Military Honors will be rendered at 1:15 PM on Tuesday, December 20th. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the American Stroke Association (http://www.strokeassociation.org) in Thomas' name.