Thomas Earl Beardsley ~ July 8, 1950 – May 25, 2026
Thomas “Tom” Beardsley was a man who always marched to the beat of his own drum. Curious by nature and endlessly fascinated by the world around him, Tom spent his life learning, exploring, and following the passions that brought him joy. One of those passions was astronomy. Whether looking through a telescope he built himself or capturing the beauty of the night sky through astrophotography, Tom found wonder in the universe. Astronomy was a lifelong interest that he always returned to and one that brought him great happiness in his final years and weeks.
Tom also loved camping, fishing, traveling, and spending time outdoors. Some of his daughters’ and grandchildren’s favorite memories were made on summer vacations to the Black Hills, Colorado, and countless
other adventures. He loved exploring new places and sharing those experiences with them, creating memories that will be treasured for years to come.
In 1981, Tom married Brenda Jill Beardsley. Together they built a family and raised their daughters, Amanda and Abbey, along with Jill’s son, Roark Pyle. Tom earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics from the University of Nebraska in 1988. He spent many years operating the television repair business started by his father, William Earl Beardsley. After changes in technology brought that chapter to a close, Tom began a second career with the Lincoln Airport, where he worked until his retirement. Tom never stopped being curious. Whether repairing electronics, building telescopes, planning his next camping trip, or studying the stars, he was always eager to learn something new and understand how things worked.
Tom was preceded in death by his father, William Earl Beardsley, and his brother-in-law, Gary Smith. Tom is survived by his wife, Brenda Jill Beardsley; his daughter, Amanda Beardsley; his daughter, Abbey Beardsley, and her husband, Richard Norton; his stepson, Roark Pyle, and his wife, Erin Pyle; his mother, Ruth Beardsley; his sister, Jane Chamberlain, and her husband, Steve Chamberlain; his sister, Julie Smith; his grandchildren; and many extended family members and friends who will miss his intelligence, adventurous spirit, and unique way of seeing the world.
A Celebration of Life will be held on June 27, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. at Branched Oak Observatory near Branched Oak Lake in Raymond, Nebraska. Family and friends are invited to gather beneath the stars to celebrate Tom’s life and share memories of a man whose curiosity, sense of adventure, and love of the night sky inspired those around him. Condolences may be left at trumpmemorials.com. Trump Funeral Services, 1600 West “O” Street, Lincoln.
Sorry to here of Tom’s passing. I first met Tom thru Erve Felmen. My spelling is probably wrong. Tom came in to my shop to see what I did. He and his dad were in electronic parts and antena sales, as was Mr. Feldman. Tom was glad to see someone in the computer business in this area. This was in 1988 or 1989. Probably the later. We would later meet thru the years saying hi and so forth. Later years passed by, and we would talk about OUR grandson at the grocery stores. (Super Saver, ect…) He would always stop and talk to me and people. Sorry for your loss.
Thank you Jim!