Thomas Small Jr

Thomas "Tuck" Small, Jr. 90 years old of Lame Deer, Mt. Made his journey to the Cow camp in heaven on January 25, 2012 at the Eastern Montana Veteran´s home in Glendive, Montana with his beloved wife of 64 years, Beatrice Seminole Small at his side.
"Tuck", Mo´ohta´ena´hkohe (Black Bear) was born December 8, 1921 on the family ranch in Dry Creek, near Kirby Montana to Thomas Small Sr. and Josephine Rondeau. His younger years were spent on the family ranch with his 9 brothers and 3 sisters. Tuck received his education at the Busby Boarding School located in Busby, Mt. At 21 years of age, Tuck enlisted in the U.S. Army attending basic training at Ft. Lewis, Washington, then transferred to Bouse, Arizona for Tank Training. He served as an infantryman in the European Campaign, during World War II. He was honorably discharged December 3, 1945.
After returning from the war he met Beatrice Seminole, soon after they were married in March of 1948. To this union they had five children; Fred (Myrna), Linda, Vernon (Theresa), Jeanette, and Dean (Carrie). In the spring of 1956, they settled on South Fork Creek, Lame Deer, where they entered the cattle business. Tucks´ happiest moments were riding among his cattle on his favorite horse ol´ brown (aka dog meat). After a long and successful career in the cattle business he decided it was time to retire from cowboyin´. He was 88 years old when he made his last ride from the ranch pasture to Cook Creek Basin trailing 700 yearlings . He was a very knowledgeable rancher and his friend Hugh Jone's remarked one time, "Tuck Small could tell you if a cow had licked salt that day."
Tuck was proceeded in death by brothers Victor Sr., Ed, Max, Ralph, Ivan Sr., and sisters Josephine, Hazel and Vera Sue. He is survived by his wife, children and brothers; Horace Sr. ,Melvin Sr., Clinton and Johnny Small and his faithful steed, Ol´brown (amazing 32 years old).
Grandchildren include Gene, Mellanie, Justin, Colt, Dutch, Robert, Kayla, Clint, Tiff, Eli, Blaine, Cheyenne, Babes, Sissy, and Tayler including 14 Great grandchildren, whom all loved their great grandpa dearly.

Wake Services will be held at the Blessed Sacrament Church, Lame Deer, Montana at 7:00 pm. Funeral Services will also be held at the Blessed Sacrament Church, Lame Deer, Montana at 10:00 am. Burial will be held at the Rondeau family cemetery at B Heart Springs.