Thomas John Davis Sr., 97, of Belle Fourche, SD died Thursday December 5th at Monument Healthcare in Rapid City, Sd.
Tom was born July 16, 1927 in Belle Fourche to Walter and Vera (Hultenschmidt) Davis. He lived on various ranches in the area and in Rochford SD until the death of his father in 1937. The family then lived with his maternal grandparents where he learned the skills of a cowboy and sheepherder. His formal education ended shortly thereafter, but his quest for knowledge continued throughout his life. He learned carpentry, welding and electrical skills, auto mechanics and other skills that served him well as a maintenance worker at NL Baroid Bentonite where he worked for over 44 years.
He was united in marriage to Mary E. Richardson on July 3rd, 1949, in Pringle SD. To this union sons Thomas Jr, and William were born joining Randy, who Tom adopted as his own. After the death of Mary in 1989 he married Mildred A Davis, who passed away in 2005.
He was a proud member of the masonic lodge, Scottish Rites, and Eastern Star, devoting many hours to activities, and donating the money he made from the aluminum cans he collected along local highways.
His hobbies included collecting and cleaning scrap metal, camping at Black powder Rendezvous’, fishing with his grandchildren, and sharing his life stories. His greatest pleasure was when he could be of help to his family, friends, and neighbors.
He is survived by son William “Bill” Davis; grandchildren. Thomas, Bill and Dan Davis and half-brother, Jeff Glanzer.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Mary Elizabeth Davis; second wife, Mildred Alice Davis; brothers, William and Earl Davis; sisters, Mary Homer, Mae Pierce and Florence Stagmeyer; sons, Randy Davis and Tom Davis Jr.
Visitation will be held Friday, December 13th from 5-7 pm at Kline Funeral Chapel in Belle Fourche. Funeral services will be held Saturday, December 14 at 11:00 am at the First Baptist Church in Belle Fourche with Reverend Tim Smith officiating. A lunch will follow at the church. He will be transported to Pine Slope Cemetery in Kline’s horse drawn hearse for burial beside his wife Mary.
The funeral will be livestreamed and can be viewed on Tom’s Obituary page at klinefuneralchapel.com
An online guest book is available at klinefuneralchapel.com