Thomas Mitchell McCarthy

Thomas Mitchell McCarthy

October 30, 1956 - February 22, 2025

Thomas Mitchell McCarthy was born October 30, 1956, to Richard Matthew and Ruth Lucile McCarthy in Cleveland, Ohio. When Tom was 9 years old, the family moved to Mentor, Ohio, where he spent his formative years. At Mentor High School, he studied auto body, kindling a lifelong passion for muscle cars that would remain with him throughout his life.

It was during his high school years that Tom met the love of his life, Cheri McLane. The couple married on December 5, 1981, in Littleton, Colorado, where Tom worked in several beef processing facilities in the Denver area. After two years in Colorado, Tom and Cheri relocated to Dillon, Montana, which became their permanent home. Tom served as plant manager at the Nutracea plant in Dillon until his retirement in 2008.

In 1998, Tom embraced his most cherished role when he became a loving father to Ralph and Mandi. Despite his busy schedule, he prioritized family time, regularly taking them hunting, fishing, and camping - activities that brought him great joy. His dedication to family grew even stronger with the arrival of his first granddaughter, Avery, in 2017, who quickly captured his heart. His family expanded further in 2021 when Mandi married Jake Cain, and Tom welcomed Jake's daughter Kinslei as his second beloved granddaughter.

An avid sportsman, Tom was particularly passionate about pool, becoming the top-ranked player in his local Dillon league at the time of his passing. Through pool, he formed many lasting friendships that enriched his life. His love for hunting led to a memorable achievement in 2020 when, accompanied by his brother Rich, he harvested his largest bull elk in Colorado. Tom's brother Rich and nephew Mike also facilitated numerous family adventures, creating cherished memories through their travels together. In 2021, Tom received his brother Rich's 2020 Shelby Cobra GT 500, which became his most treasured possession.

Tom was preceded in death by his father, Richard Sr., mother Ruth, and brother Richard Jr. He is survived by his loving wife, Cheri; son Ralph (granddaughter Avery); daughter Mandi (Jake, granddaughter Kinslei); nephew Mike (Lindsay, Tyler, Ember); sisters-in-law Sue Borwick, Jan McCarthy, and Jeannie Spoon (Earl); Bonnie Barnes; brother-in-law Ralph McLane Jr. (Hope, Becky, Ralph III); and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Tom will be remembered as a generous soul who touched countless lives with his willingness to help others and his genuine care for those around him. His kind spirit and unique character left an indelible mark on all who knew him.

Funeral services will be held 11am Friday, February 28, 2025, at Dillon Baptist Church, 539 Thomsen Avenue, Dillon. Interment will follow at Mountain View Cemetery, with a lunch reception afterward at the Dillon Baptist Church activities building.

Friday evening before the Calcutta & the Crawshaw Tournament at the Elks Lodge, there will be a moment of silence to honor Tom, a beloved member of the billard community. Following that there will be a Celebration of Life at the Buffalo Lodge from 6:30PM to 10:00PM.