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Thomas McColley Obituary
January 11, 1926 - September 23, 2025
Thomas Edgar McColley, 99, of Brighton, Michigan, passed away peacefully at home on September 23, 2025.
Born January 11, 1926, in Chamberlain, South Dakota, to Morris B. and Naomi (Cole) McColley, Tom grew up with his brother, Morris G. McColley, in a family devoted to service. He graduated from Spearfish High School in 1944, and soon after enlisted in the U.S. Navy Seabees, serving in Okinawa during World War II. He was honorably discharged in 1946.
That same year, Tom met Cornelia Anne Quigley. Both enrolled at San Jose State University, where they married before their senior year and graduated together in 1950. They began married life in San Francisco, where Anne taught school and Tom worked in mortgage loans while attending mortuary science school.
In 1953, Tom and Anne purchased a funeral home in Hot Springs, South Dakota, beginning nearly four decades of service to the community. While raising their four children, Pamela (Pam), Mary (Mitzi), Thomas (Tom), and Lesley, they expanded their ventures by establishing McColley's Chapel of the Hills, renovating the Evans Hotel into the Century House, and building the Best Western Inn by the River.
He was active in civic life, serving as President of the South Dakota Funeral Directors Association, President of the Lions Club, and as a gubernatorial appointee to the South Dakota Board of Funeral Directors. He also served on the Hot Springs School Board and on local hospital boards.
In 1991, Tom and Anne moved to Arvada, Colorado, where they enjoyed new friendships, bridge, and world travel. After Anne's passing in 2008, Tom moved to Brighton, Michigan, in 2017 to be near family.
Tom was known for his devotion to family, his professional innovation, and his generosity to the community, including establishing the McColley Vision Fund to support projects in Hot Springs. He was preceded in death by his wife, Anne; and is survived by his four children; grandchildren; great-grandchildren; and many friends. Tom was laid to rest with full military honors at Fort Logan National Cemetery in Denver, Colorado.
Keehn-Griffin Funeral Home
706 W Main Street ~ Brighton, MI 48116
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas McColley
Sponsored by Keehn-Griffin Funeral Home, Brighton.
Ted Jacobson
October 26, 2025
Dear Pam and family,
So sad to learn of your Dad´s passing. Thinking of him and your Mom brings back so many happy memories. He always made us laugh. A good man who made this world a better place.
God bless you all.
Ted Jacobson, Mike and Jane
Dave Bruce
October 15, 2025
I remember Tom as a solid member of the community of Hot Springs, where I grew up. He was a solid contributor to our little town in many ways. I also remember his sense of humor. He asked my dad once how he was feeling, and upon my dad saying he felt great, Tom's feigned response was one of disappointment.
Prayers for peace and comfort for the many loved ones he left behind.
A Veteran
October 14, 2025
THANKS FOR YOUR SERVICE
Anita Cope
October 10, 2025
Knowing Tom from our days as he being a Mortcian, and me working in the Register of Deeds office at the courthouse, was one of my best experiences in my work place. Professional, kind, and funny, all explains our wonderful Tom McColley. Prayers to his family......RIP Tom.
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Bonnie Jones
October 8, 2025
Pam & Family...so sorry to learn of your dad's passing. Your folks were so influencial in the Hot Springs community, and I truly enjoyed our friendship. They were always so kind and compassionate when dealing with the grieving over the loss of a loved one. A lifetime of service to others has come to an end...may he rest in peace. Hugs to all.
Raphael Geraets
October 8, 2025
Sorry for your loss.
Daniel Hanson
October 8, 2025
Mr. McColley loaned us a funeral tent in the summer of 1974, to cover one of the two digging holes at what eventually became the Mammoth Site of Hot Springs, South Dakota.
Anonymous Veteran
October 8, 2025
Thank you for your selfless military service to our great country.
Vicki Dunsmore
October 8, 2025
Pam and family..so sorry for your loss. Reveille in your good memories! May God bless you all.
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