Tom Cummings

1940 - 2025

The clouds parted and heaven welcomed Tom in the early morning hours of September 12, 2025, from his favorite place, home on the ranch. He entered this world September 26, 1940, to loving parents Newton and Myra (Clark) Cummings in Malta, Montana. He was the third of nine children: an older sister Ethel, a brother George, then Tom, followed by brothers Glen, Bruce, Richard, and Clark and finally two little princesses, Loretta and Janice.

Tom spent his early childhood in Phillips County in various places as his folks moved every few years to make a living for their growing family. He attended several country schools and graduated from high school in Malta before joining the U.S. Marine Corps in 1958. He was honorably discharged in 1961 and returned briefly to Malta before heading to Western Montana, where he tried his hand at logging, heavy construction, and finally settled on the trucking business.

In the early 70's, Tom was hauling grain and cattle for many ranches in the area when he was "conned" into helping wire a neighbor's new addition on their ranch home. After meeting the rancher's redheaded daughter, Tom and Margi were married February 1, 1975.

Tom never quit the trucking business but just downsized to hauling his own cattle and hay. He loved the ranch and all aspects of it, from calving and working cattle to haying and feeding it out. Tom was an early riser; he liked to get a good day's work done but sure enjoyed that after-dinner nap, especially in later years.

Tom had a quick wit, probably the result of having to hold his own with all his siblings. He liked to tease with the guys to see who could outdo one another. He was a walking encyclopedia for remembering people and how they fit into the whole scheme of life.

Tom and Margi enjoyed traveling and had several great vacations, fishing trips to Alaska, a cruise through the Panama Canal, an ag tour to Hawaii, and the standout was when Tom accompanied the American Angus Tour to Australia in 1997.

Tom was a life member of the VFW in Malta and belonged to the Eagles, Elks, and Moose Lodges. When there was time, but the work always came first, he enjoyed golfing and especially fishing for walleye on the Missouri River.

The birth of our son, Drew, changed the course of our life and suddenly there was truly a reason to give it our all. As Tom would say, "Just pull out the choke". The last three plus years have been the wonderful enjoyment of our grandson Kase, as Tom lovingly referred to him as "his replacement".

Tom is survived by his wife Margi of the family ranch, sons Chet H. (Francine) of Saco, MT, and Drew (Jennifer) of Lewistown; four brothers George (Myrna) of Malta, MT, Glen (Jackie) of Plains, MT, Bruce (Darlene) of Malta, MT, and Clark (Gail) of Glasgow, MT; sisters Loretta Cummings of Billings, MT, and Janice Mitchell of Roy, MT; three grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, one brother (Richard), and one sister (Ethel).

Celebration of Life for Tom Cummings will be held Saturday, September 20, 2025, at 2 PM in the Cart Barn at the Judith Shadows Golf Course, 464 Rifle Range Road, Lewistown, MT. Reception and luncheon will follow at the Cart Barn. Cremation has taken place, and arrangements are under the direction of Cloyd Funeral Home. Condolences for the family may be posted online at www.cloydfuneralhome.com

Friends are asked to make memorials to the charity of their choice, and they may be left at the Cloyd Funeral Home.