Never one to miss an opportunity, Thomas Walt, age 82, of Billings, Mt made his graceful exit from this world on Christmas Day 2017. He was born in Avilla, Indiana in May 1935. His influential spirit is carried on by his family. Daughter Kathleen Riggs (Steven) and son Abdiel Arauz, his many grandchildren and great grandchildren and his surviving brother Jim (Sara) in Colorado. As well as an extended family of relations and friends from every walk of life. He was preceded in death by his parents Michael and Marguerite Walt, brothers, Michael (Jo) , Robert (Pat), and sisters Kathleen (Jim) and Patricia (Paul). As well as his beloved wife of 52 years, Antonetta (Toni) Walt.
Tom was known for his long, entertaining stories, which he loved to repeat often. He was by far one of the most amazing people you had the honor and pleasure of knowing. Even more so, we are so proud to say that we are related to this man. As a family we were blessed to learn many valuable lessons from (Papa) during his 82 years. To have experienced so much in his life and still remain such a charismatic person was a testament to the strength of his character. He always had something to say (even if it was wildly inappropriate). Yet somehow he made you want to be a better person just by being a part of your life. He graduated from High School in 1953 and joined the United States Marine Corps shortly after. This gave him the opportunity to travel and among these travels he met his future wife and soulmate Toni Walt. They were married in Leominster, Massachusetts on May 11th, 1957. Tom served in Peacetime from 1955-1959. He was stationed at Anacostia Naval Air Station in Washington, D.C.. Tom was in the Air Wing of the Marine Corps. He was in a plane crash 2 months following their wedding. They landed in the water off Virginia Beach, VA and a helicopter had to pick up him and the pilot. Just before Tom’s enlistment was up, he was presented with the Meritorious promotion to Sergeant. He was Honorably Discharged in January 1963.
Tom and Toni lived in Virginia and began their life as a family with their son and daughter. They then moved to Florida for several years before eventually settling in Miles City, Montana in 1975. His love of carpentry brought him to work for Jack Hardesty from Hardesty Real Estate. Together they constructed many of the houses in Miles City that still stand today. But Tom was best known as a highly regarded employee for over 30 years with Custer County High School. He created many fond memories for staff, students and families. He retired from CCDHS in 2000. After his retirement he pursued some of his many hobbies; these included his beloved Marine Corps League in both Miles City and Anaconda, building homes with Habitat for Humanity, carpentry of any kind, gardening and relaxing with family and friends. Tom always had a smile for a stranger and something to say to brighten anyone’s spirits. Around him, you never questioned your worth, your talent, beauty or purpose. And if the words couldn’t be found, he gave the most amazing Papa hugs. Anybody who knew Tom knew he was stubborn but kind, boisterous but enthusiastic, he was someone everyone loved talking to and always wanted advice from. In the small town where he lived most of his life (Miles City) everyone knew who he was and everyone always knew they could rely on him for any reason. As long as he was around, there was laughter, there was silliness and humor. He taught everyone about gratitude and never taking anything for granted. He had a remarkable personality and a sarcastic yet twisted sense of humor. One of his favorite things to say was “It’s hell getting old. Die young and leave a good looking corpse.” He was and will continue to be so incredibly loved.
Viewing will be held at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home. Located at 1717 Main St, in Miles City, Mt on Thursday January 11th from 2pm-6pm. Family and friends can say their final farewells January 12th at 1pm at Sacred Heart Church. Located at 120 N Montana ave (Miles City, Mt) with burial to follow at the Eastern Montana Veterans Cemetery. The family asks you to join them for a memorial luncheon to celebrate the life of this amazing man back at Sacred Heart Church in the reception hall.
Service Schedule
Visitation
2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday January 11, 2018
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main St
Miles City, MT 59301
Mass of Christian Burial
1:00 p.m.
Friday January 12, 2018
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
120 N. Montana
Miles City, MT 59301
Rite of Committal
Immediately following the Mass
Friday January 12, 2018
Eastern Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Miles City, MT 59301
Service Schedule
Visitation
2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday January 11, 2018
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main St
Miles City, MT 59301
Mass of Christian Burial
1:00 p.m.
Friday January 12, 2018
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
120 N. Montana
Miles City, MT 59301
Rite of Committal
Immediately following the Mass
Friday January 12, 2018
Eastern Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Miles City, MT 59301
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James L. Arneson says
I worked at the school district with Tom years ago. I had not seen him in years, but often remember the conversations we had and the kind person he was. RIP To.
Kay Carlson says
Tom was one of the nicest people I’ve ever known. My condolences.
Denise Harvey says
What a wonderful man! He was a man of integrity and kindness. I was blessed to be able to work beside him at CCDHS. Prayers for his loved ones.
Pam Rogge says
Prayers and condolences to Tom’s family at this time. Although I had not seen him for some time, whenever I did he had a smile and hello – his wife and I shared the same birthday and we always joked about that. Cherish the good memories.
Kevin and Michelle Carda says
Tom was an amazing man! I loved working with him at the high school! He was so good with my kids as they grew up being around the high school often! He’d play tag with the in the hallways and in my classroom! He was very loved for his great personality and compassion for others. My condolences for your loss!
Eileen and Vern Entzel says
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. We knew Tom and Toni for years and always enjoyed our conversations.
Jim Bott says
Was a pleasure to have known Walt. Especially enjoyed and looked forward to his visits to the Farmshop. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Fred and Vicky Anderson says
The years I spent working with with Tom were very special. He was a hard working man of integrity who took a great deal of pride in CCDHS. As our Head Custodian or ‘First Engineer” as they are now recognized, he always made sure the school and grounds were in top shape. He expected the best from everyone starting with himself.
Tom and Toni were very good friends and are both missed. R.I.P. my friends
Tom Walt says
He was Loved.