Thomas Alexander Thomas was born on August 18, 1944, to Donald and Jean (Wells) Thomas. Tom grew up in Webster, South Dakota and graduated from Webster High School in 1962. After high school he attended Nettleton Business School in Sioux City.
Tom spent most of his life working in the Rural Electric Program. One of his first jobs was working part time as a lineman at Day County Electric in Webster SD. He went on to work at HD Electric in Clear Lake, South Dakota, then East River Electric in Madison, SD, and then at Beadle Electric in Huron, SD. In 1973, Tom was hired as General Manager of Cuming County Public Power District in West Point, Nebraska. Tom returned to school and graduated from Wayne State College in 1995. After graduation, he became a Loss Control Consultant for Federated Rural Electric Insurance Company in Kansas City. In 1998 Tom was hired to be the Director of Economic Development & Customer Service at Iowa Lakes Cooperative in Estherville, Iowa. Tom concluded his utility business career working for Black Hills Energy as a meter reader in West Point and surrounding communities.
Tom and Mary Ann (Knudsen) were married on June 8, 1968, at St. John Lutheran Church Madison SD.
Tom was blessed with a fine singing voice and had a passion for a wide variety of music genres. He was a past member of Cuming County Choraliers, Many Voices Choir in Estherville, sang in local cantatas, and church choirs.
In addition to being a loving husband, father, and grandfather, he was a valued member of the Kit Kat Karamel team and served as Mary’s chief caramel wrapper.
Tom was an avid collector and car enthusiast. He enjoyed restoring old cars and buying and selling parts at Swap Meets. During his lifetime he restored and owned a number of classic cars. His black 1955 F100 Ford Pickup was well known to those who shared his interest and he was often recognized by it.
Survivors include:
His wife, Mary
Daughter: Tammi (Chad) Kurmel of Okemos MI
Jensen
Abbey
Daughter : Tawni (Randy) Erickson of Gretna NE
Hannah
Lindsey
Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Jean Thomas.