Thomas Smithson

Thomas “Tom” Dean Smithson passed away May 18, 2019 at his home in Billings, Montana. He was born June 19, 1943 in New London, Minnesota, the son of Dean and Katherine (Olson) Smithson. He was raised on the family farm and attended school in New London. On June 20, 1960 he entered the United States Air Force, and served at Malstrom Air Force Base in Great Falls, Montana. He was honorably discharged January 30, 1962. He returned to Minnesota where he met Henrietta “Hank” Meyer and they were married March 9, 1963. That same year they moved to California to begin their family. Tom got hired by commercial carrier in 1964 and worked for 32 years. Upon his retirement he lived in Minnesota and then moved to Billings. While retired Tom was a member of the VFW Honor Guard and Auxiliary. He was active in the American Legion where he served as President and Vice-president. Tom is survived by his wife Hank; sons Shane (Carrie) of Billings and Stacy (Becky) of Sunburst, MT; grandchildren Taylor, Tanner, Eric (Amanda), Nick (Jackie), Cody, Hanna; great-granddaughter Paisley; brother Lonnie (Peggy) Smithson; sisters Diane (Sheldon) Hovda, Gloria Skalbeck (Rudy Hoff), Patty (Arvid) Lerud, Chris (Mitch) Bonnama; several nieces and nephews. Burial of ashes will be 9:00 am Friday, June 14, 2019 at Yellowstone National Cemetery with full military honors. Celebration of Life will be 11:00 am Friday at VFW Post 6774 in the Heights. Arrangements are in the care of Dahl Funeral Chapel.