Thomas Dean Ferrell (Tom) was born in Sturgis, South Dakota to Elden John and Winifred M. (Schetnan) Ferrell on April 17, 1941. On February 25, 2019 Tom passed away at Canyon Creek Memory Care of the side effects of Alzheimer’s Disease. Tom was 77. He had been at Canyon Creek for approximately ten months.
Tom’s father worked construction, so the family moved around often. His family eventually settled in Miles City where Tom and his brothers attended school. Tom’s mother passed away in 1951 when Tom was 10 years of age. He quickly learned to iron clothes and to cook for the family. The brothers were very close growing up and looked out for each other in all situations. Tom joined the Army National Guard when he was 17, as his father signed for him.
Tom met the love of his life, Janis McKelvey in 1961. They were married January 16, 1965 in Miles City. Together they had three children.
Tom had a long interest in collecting coins and had amassed a huge collection of mainly pennies, none of which were valuable, but he was very proud of them and would show them off to company. Tom was especially diligent in teaching his kids and grandkids how to play Monopoly. He believed there were life-long lessons to be learned regarding finance, owning property, loaning and borrowing money.
He loved camping, fishing and motorcycling. He was especially proud of his muscle car, a 1969 Dodge Coronet.
Tom had a tremendous work ethic. He worked at Hines Motor Supply for 32 years as a counterman. During this time, he worked at Midway Texaco in the evenings. In 1985 he began building duplexes to use as rental property, and eventually built three duplexes. Tom’s real passion was carpentry, so he quit work at Hines Motor and started Ferrell Construction. He built many houses before retiring in 2002.
Tom is survived by his wife of 54 years, Janis and their children, Beverly (Brian) Johnston of Mesa, Arizona, Deb (Greg) Paulson of Deer Park, Washington, Doug (Julie) Ferrell of Miles City, Montana, brother Jim (Linda) Ferrell of Missoula, Montana, sisters-in-law Elaine Ferrell, Marlene Ferrell. Grandchildren Brandon and Garrett Barnes, Nancy Johnston, Daniel, Josie and Luke Paulson, Rachel and Traton Ferrell, one great granddaughter Bailey. Tom will also be forever remembered by his numerous nieces and nephews, extended family and dear friends.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents, sister Phyllis, brothers Duane, Gary, and Gene Ferrell and one sister-in-law Myrna.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 7, 2019 at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 8, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home. Interment will follow the Custer County Cemetery with full military honors. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Those wishing to make memorial donations in memory of Tom may make them to Alzheimer’s Foundation or the charity of their choice.
Service Schedule
Visitation
11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Thursday March 7, 2019
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Friday March 8, 2019
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City , Montana 59301
Interment with Full Military Honors
Friday March 8, 2019
Custer County Cemetery
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Visitation
11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Thursday March 7, 2019
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Friday March 8, 2019
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City , Montana 59301
Interment with Full Military Honors
Friday March 8, 2019
Custer County Cemetery
Miles City, Montana 59301
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Shorty & Judy says
Oh my Janis
So sorry for your loss praying that God will give each and everyone of you the strength now and in the days to come his memories will live on forever what a great man he was RIP
Shorty & Judy says
Oh My Janis
So sorry for your loss praying that god will each and everyone of you the strength now and in the days to come his memories will never die what great man he was RIP
Carol Schneidt says
My thoughts and prayers to the Ferrell family!
Julie and Tyler says
Doug, Julie, Rachel, Traton and Janis,
So sorry for your loss. Our prayers and thoughts are with you.
MARTHA CRANDALL says
Thinking of you. My sympathy.
Rissa and Ian Seabolt says
Doug, Janis and family,
So sorry for your loss. May the good memories and the many friends you have comfort you during this difficult time. Hoping you also find comfort from our heavenly father and the promise of a resurrection for all our dear loved ones. John 5:28,29
Carla & Jay Johnson says
Deepest condolences to all the family in the loss of Tom. Let it be soothing to know that he is in a better place now and suffering no more. God bless all of you!
Phyllis Stevens says
Oh you guys! I am so sorry to hear of your father and husband’s passing! The last time I talked to Bev was a couple years ago and she said he had been sick! My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time!
Mary Ann Liles says
Dear Janis,
Thinking of you and sending my sympathy. God bless.
Mary Ann (Stockhill) Liles
Dannette Cremer says
Janis, Doug and family,
So sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. May you keep his memory close to your hearts. May he be at peace
Lenore and Eloise Beach says
Our prayers and thoughts are with the families, during this time of loss. God Bless.
Bernice says
Rachel and family y’all are in my prayers. I’m so sorry about your loss if there is anything I can do for y’all please let me know!
God bless you all!!
Marlene Ferrell says
Janis, Beverly, Debbie and Doug,
I am so very sorry for the loss of your husband/father. I know only to well what you must be feeling right now. I have really fond memories of Tom ( my brother-in-law). Everything from our time’s at the lake, to the times at the sand dunes and the time he and Gene stirred the pot of “purple stuff” in Alaska! He was a very special man to our family and will be missed very very much!! I love you all so much!!
Jay Hecker says
It was a pleasure to be able to care for Tom at Canyon Creek Memory Care. He always was quick with off the wall remarks. Janice, sorry for your loss.
Dianne Webster says
Janis, I was very sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. I hope you & your family find peace & comfort in your many memories, my condolences to you all.
Kent Frette, says
I am sorry to hear of Tom’s passing, Janis. Visiting Tom was always on my list whenever I got back to Miles City. He did so much for Ray and it was appreciated. Will always remember the Hines Motor days with fondness. You and your children are in my thoughts and prayers.
Ken and Vicki Hess says
Ferrell family, sending sympathy to the whole family.
Doug Benge says
Janis: So sorry to learn of Tom’s passing. Doesn’t seem like members of our generation should be checking out just yet. While I’ve known you just about forever, I got to know Tom more on a professional level. I was always impressed that he could do just about anything. Always cheerful. Best wishes.
Doug and Lucy Benge
Sandy McFarland Hays says
Janis and Family, Sending sympathy and prayers during this difficult time.
Margot Wolff says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Tom is at peace now and you have our condolences and prayers. We won’t be in MT for the funeral but know we are with you in spirit. Blessings to you and yours. Love Don and Margot
MARGO HELLICKSON says
Janis, I am so sorry for your loss, but remember Tom is now free, Remember those good times together and forget the bad. God is putting him to work on other things now. Sending prayers for peace and comfort.
Meredith and Dennis Hirsch says
All of Tom’s family. Remember all the good times, those memories will carry you through these tough times. Tom produced many a good memory. He will be missed.
Jane Shores says
Janis I’m so sorry for your loss! Hope you find comfort in your dear memories!
Jane Shores says
Janis, I’m so sorry for your loss. I hope your memories of your years together will sustain you.
RIchard E Meiidnger says
Ferrell family so sorry to hear of Toms passing. Remember him from Hines Motors.
You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Linda and RIchard Meidinger
Vicki Clear says
Janis,
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Vicki Clear
Cindia Ellis says
Janis and family.
Thoughts and prayers.
Cindia Ellis
Karen & Jobie Morris says
Our favorite memory of Tom was the day he followed me out when I went to feed Jobie. I didn’t see him behind me. He had a load of treats for Jobie and was so thrilled that he had managed to surprise me. Such a very kind man. We shall miss him. Our deepest sympathy to you, Janis, and to the rest of his family.
Glenda McKelvey says
Janis, You and your family are in my prayers and thoughts. You have been strong and will continue to be strong
for your family. May Tom rest in peace.
Steve & Annie says
Janis and Doug & family;
We are very saddened to hear of Toms passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Mark Browning says
Janis,
On behalf of your old schoolmates, we wish you and family our best in the memories of your Tom.
He played a long-time & important part in Miles City’s citizenry.
Marlys Burkett says
Janis and family, we are so sorry for your loss.
He was such a good man. May he RIP with our heavenly Father. Marlys & Ron
Kathy Chapweske says
Dear Janis and family,
I am so sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. I just keep remembering our good old days of our get to-gethers and what good times we had. Thats the way I choose to remember him. Good Times! Good Times! Bob needed company and now he has his good friend Tom. They will have a lot to talk about. It has been almost a year for me and I miss him as much today as I did the day he passed. I love you Jan.
Jane and Frank Nelson says
Janis and family, We send our condolences to you and your family. Thinking of you during this time.
Doug Nelson and Frank and Jane Nelson
Dennis and Chris Young says
We are so sorry for your loss Janice and we are thinking of you.
We have missed seeing him at lunch. May he Rest In Peace..
Sandi and Jim Updyke says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time of your lives. God bless you and may wonderful memories help you through the rough times.
Nancy White says
Janis, Debbie and family, Bev and family and Doug and family,
You are in my thoughts and Prayers. Tom will be very missed. Some day I will get my hug from him. Continue to remember the good times. Love and Prayers
Nancy