Thomas William Cerny, 63, of Lincoln, formerly Dorchester, passed away on October 26, 2021 at home.  He was born on July 14, 1958 in Albion, Nebraska to Stanley and Marie Cerny and grew up in Fremont.  He married Janet L. Christensen on July 31, 1976.  During his lifetime, Thomas lived in Nurnberg Germany, Fort Riley, Kansas, Dorchester and Lincoln.  He served his country for over 38 years in the military and earned his rank as Chief Warrant Officer 5. His memberships include the American Legion, Lifetime member of the VFW and DAV, Dorchester Foundation member, past Fire chief of the Dorchester Volunteer Fire Department.   Thomas was preceded in death by his parents, step father:  Otto Brazda, sisters: Rose Marie Matson and Jane Francis, brothers:  Stanley, Jr., and Michael and niece, Debra Larsen (Cerny)  He is survived by his wife of 45 years:  Janet L. (Christensen) Cerny, sons:  Bret Allen (Amanda Heusinkvelt), Shane Michael (Suzi Werts).  Grandsons:  Ethan James Bowlin, Colton Trace Cerny, Carter Allen Cerny, Blake Daniel Cerny, granddaughter:  Aubrie Grace Cerny.  Sister:  Patricia A. (Randy) Johnson.  Sister in law:  Elaine (Michael) Hickey.  Brothers:  John Charles (Julie) Cerny, Bernard James (Kay) Cerny, Steven Anthony (Cathy) Cerny, Daniel Patrick (Carol) Cerny.  Brother in law:  Warren (Rose Marie) Matson.  Numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and his military family.  Visitation will be on Monday from 5 – 7 P.M. at Kuncl Funeral Home in Crete.  Services will be held on Tuesday, November 2, 2021 at 10:30 A.M. at the Dorchester United Methodist Church.  Memorials have been designated to the following:  American Legion Post 264, VFW Post 10648, DAV Post 7, the Dorchester Foundation, and Dorchester United Methodist Church.  Arrangements entrusted to Kuncl Funeral Home in Crete.