Thomas Robert Scott

We bid farewell to Thomas Robert Scott, who departed peacefully from this world on Thursday, July 3rd at the age of 74 surrounded by his loving family.

Tom was born on September 21, 1950, in Dillon to Thomas "Bud" Robert Scott and Faye Burrell Scott. The Scott family lived in Dillon and Anaconda before settling in Deer Lodge where Tom and his two brothers and one sister attended high school. After graduation, Tom entered the Marines and proudly served his country for four years, stationed mostly on the Japanese island of Okinawa.

Upon his exit from the armed forces, Tom attended college and then law school at University of Montana in Missoula, where he met the love of his life, Mardel Mehmke. Tom and Mardel were married in April 1981, after which they returned to Dillon to set up their life together. Tom and Mardel swiftly became integral parts of their community, volunteering and joining clubs such as the American Legion, Dillon Jaycees, Masons, Shriners, and United Way. Tom first worked for the law offices of W.G. Gilbert Jr. and W. G. Gilbert III before serving as the Beaverhead County Attorney for over a decade and then eventually opening his own private practice. Their daughters Kathleen joined the family in 1987, followed by Sarah in 1991.

Tom was passionate about animals, taking his beloved dog Flo everywhere he went. Tom spent most of his spare time fly fishing, ice fishing, restoring antique cars, baking cookies and pies, and reading (sometimes as many as three books a week!)

Tom was preceded in death by his infant brother Daniel, his sister Lisa, and his parents Bud and Faye. Tom is survived by his wife Mardel Scott; his two daughters and two sons-in-law Sarah Podsiadlo (Daniel) and Kathleen Scott (Josh Wood); two brothers and one sister-in-law Michael Scott (Joyce) and Patrick Scott; nieces and nephews Travis Scott (Carrie), Shyra Scott (Ben Super), Heather Scott, and Suzie Roberts; and great nieces and nephews Cora Scott, Kellan Super, Dakota Farrar, Logan Schied, Phillip Schied, Evan Tayntor, Stevie Tayntor, and Addie Ring.

Tom's family will be holding a Celebration of Life at Brundage Chapel on Friday, July 11 at 11 a.m., followed by a lunch reception at the Lewis and Clark Room at UM Western at 12 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Dillon Jaycees, a community club that was dear to Tom's heart: Dillon Jaycees PO Box 334 (406)925-9420.