Thomas Lohman

Dillon’s “Papa T” passed away peacefully, July 5th, at home, in the presence of his loving family. Thomas Francis Lohman was born December 11, 1932 in Walkerville, MT to Francis and Maude (Davies) Lohman, and was a 1951 Butte High graduate. From the age of 12, Tom was always looking for an adventure and an opportunity, whether working in a hayfield for Jack Hirschy, atop a fire lookout, on a paper route, doing road construction, taking mining jobs, a floral delivery boy or owning Pizzers Palace in Walkerville. He joined the Navy on his 21st birthday serving two years in Yokosuka, Japan and two at Whidbey Naval Air Station. After serving his country, Tom received his Bachelor's Degree from Montana Western and his Master's in Mathematics from MSU. He was an educator in Butte and Big Piney, Wyoming where he met and married his lifetime love, Evelyn. They relocated to Glendive, Montana with their three children: Geri, Clint and Kathy. Tom taught math at Dawson Community College for thirteen years. A business in the gaming industry overlapped the last few years of his teaching job. He always enjoyed a challenge. In 1982, he and daughter Geri chose Dillon to begin another phase of life, by buying the Windsong Bar, on his 50th birthday, which is now known as Papa T’s. From jello wrestling to packed Labor Days he cherished the ownership. He was a people person and loved to chat. No-one was a stranger. His enterprises grew as he started a gaming route to serve the small cities of southwest Montana. In 2011, he suffered a stroke, which left him partially handicapped, but he continued to live a full life with family and friends, including his favorite pastime of fellowship with the Dillon bridge players. His smile lit up every room. Papa was very proud of his kids and grandchildren. Even when handicapped, Tom took many wonderful trips across the USA and Europe, including cruises in the Mediterranean and Caribbean. He also rarely missed a sporting event, family card game or stories at the kitchen table. He was an extraordinarily generous man who left no-one behind, often welcoming in and supporting family members. He never missed a reunion or phone call with his loving sisters, Pam and Bonnie. Dad was blessed by Jake Hendrickson and Deb Snowden’s unwavering care. Tom is preceded in death by his parents Francis and Maude Lohman. He is survived by his wife Evelyn, children Geri (Paul) Godecke of Dillon, Clint (Beth) Lohman of Bozeman, and Kathy (Rob) Adzich of California. Grandchildren Quinn (Jake), Kelly, Chase (Ellie), Kyle, Britney (Tyler), Brock (Autumn), Bridger, Gabe, Dominick, Anika and Siena. 3 great grandchildren, Kamri, Brooks and Logan. Sisters Bonnie Shurtz and Pam Cash plus many special cousins, nieces, and nephews. Services will be held at Brundage Funeral Home on July 11, 2020 at 2:00 pm. Please join us for celebration of Tom’s life at Papa T’s following the services.