Dad was 3rd born of nine brothers and sisters. He was sent to live with relatives at a young age and was raised by the YellowHorse family who he considered his family. He enlisted to the Navy before finishing school. He married and had a son named after him (Tom). He came back to SD/NE where he met and married my mom Elizabeth. I am oldest of four (Mayda,Beverly, Cindy and Ronnie). He worked and lived most of his life in Chadron which is where we were raised. He and mom divorced yrs later after us girls were out on our own. He continued to live in Chadron where he made a lot of friends and traveled. He overcame and persevered alcoholism and was most humble about it. As he continued to help those in need he was always there for us kids. Day or night we always knew he was there. The last years of his life dad fought hard for his life. We could all learn a thing or two from watching him through each surgery or procedure. He always said his spirituality and faith is what got him thru and he lived it. He was a humble man, he didn't have much but what he did have he shared or gave away. He helped a lot of people throughout his life and through it all he always believed in family first. Which is why in the end I was not at all surprised by the tremendous outpouring of well-wishers and friends/family. People came from near and far to say there last goodbyes and because of that he knew he was loved. His last few days were hard on us but he knew he was surrounded by his children and grandchildren and I think that brought him serenity as he took his final breath. I was holding his hand along with one of my daughters as he left this world to be with his family in heaven. Although it was the toughest things in my life I am proud to have been a part of my dads left. He truly is the the most amazing man in all our lives. His legacy lives on through us and we honor him every day of our lives. You are truly missed dad