Hamilton – Thomas Simpson, 86, passed away Monday, July 27, 2015 due to congestive heart failure at his home in Hamilton, MT.
He is survived by his daughters: Lorri Simpson of Hamilton, MT, Cathy Donaldson (Charles) of Hamilton, MT, and Susan Behm (Tim) of Leander, TX; his grandchildren: Jason McCawley, Sarah Hankinson (Calvin), Jenny Springer, Amanda Jessop (Mark), Jeremy McCawley (Kristin), Troy Springer, Anna Springer, Paul Donaldson, Jacob Dodson, Blake Behm, Hayley Behm and Max Dodson; his great grandchildren: Tyler Hankinson, Michayla Hankinson, Drue McCawley, Dakoda Hankinson, Jillian McCawley, Madison Hankinson, Asher Jessop, Cooper Jessop and his great great grandchildren: Brayden Hasby and Gracie Hasby. He is also survived by his sibling Floyd Flogaus, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and other family members.
Thomas was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years Phyllis Louis Simpson, his daughter Karen Springer, his parents Tom Simpson Sr. and Lydia Flogaus, his step-father Jack “Gramps” Flogaus as well as his brothers Jack Flogaus and Harold Simpson and his sister Ruth Stalcup.
Thomas was born in Glenwood Springs, Colorado on February 20, 1929. He graduated high school in 1947 and then went on to work as a lineman for Mountain Bell Telephone Company. He then served in the Army during the Korean War. After returning to Colorado he met and married the love of his life, Phyllis. Tom returned to work at Mountain Bell Company where he worked for 38 years as an engineer. After many job transfers and the birth of four beautiful daughters they retired to Victor, MT in 1983 where Tom was very active in the building of their dream log retirement home. They then built and ran their own tank testing business which took them on many adventures throughout the western United States.
After his second retirement he was involved in many community service organizations including the Elks, The American Legion and Carpenters for Christ. He was proud to be a Shriner in the Masonic Organization as well as being very involved in his church.
His true love was his wife and family. One of his biggest joys was the outdoors and teaching each one of his grandchildren to fish, hunt and enjoy all the outdoors had to offer. He was happiest when he was working on projects and you would often find him in the barn creating.
Visitation was Saturday, August 1, 2015 at the Daly-Leach Chapel. Funeral services were held on Saturday at the funeral home. A reception followed the service. There will be a private family internment with military honors at the Victor Cemetery at a later date.
The family would like to thank Tom’s caregiver of the last two years, Charles Jennings. We know that Tom’s last years in this world were better because of Charlie’s loving care.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to: Organ Donation, Life Center Northwest, 3650 131st Ave SE Suite 200, Bellevue WA 98006, or: Carpenters for Christ, PO Box 436, Stevensville MT 59870.
Condolences may be left for the family at www.dalyleachchapel.com.