Thomas Plunkett Sr.

Thomas William Plunkett Sr., 74, of Great Falls, passed away Tuesday, March 21, 2017 of natural causes at a local hospital.Cremation has taken place. Please join us in loving, sharing and memorializing Tom at an informal gathering Saturday, April 1, 2017 at the Pit Stop Tavern, 1600 25th Ave NE, Black Eagle, at 1:00 p.m.Tom was born February 17, 1943 in Belle Fourche, South Dakota to his parents, Leslie and Mary (Corcoran) Plunkett and was raised in Stockett, MT. After graduating from Centerville High School, Tom proudly enlisted in the U.S. Army. He served in the Army from 1963 to 1966. Tom was awarded the Bronze Star for meritorious achievement in ground operations against hostile forces while in the Re"public" of Vietnam from February 1965 to January 1966.Tom married Carol Thunstrom in 1967 and later divorced. They had two sons, Tom Jr. and Brian.After serving in the Army, Tom worked as a journeyman lineman and a line foreman throughout Montana and California and retired in 2005. He was a proud member of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. Tom struggled with PTSD most of his life especially throughout his retired years. In one of his well-read books, Tom had highlighted the quote Being a soldier is easier than being a veteran. They teach you how to be a soldier. You train to be a soldier, but when you come back home, who trains you to be an honorable veteran? (Returning Home, 2006).Tom enjoyed reading, fishing, NASCAR and practical jokes. He seemed to enjoy debating with anyone about anything until both parties agreed he was right. People who knew Tom could tell he was proud to be a Veteran, proud of his sons, and a devout Dale Earnhardt fan. Even though they divorced, Tom only had kind words for Carol and how she raised their boys.Tom is survived by his son, Tom and his wife Jessica; his son, Brian and his wife Christine; granddaughters Quinn and Teagan; his sister, Barbara McDonald; nieces and nephews; and numerous friends.He was preceded in death by his brothers, John and Charlie; his sister, Jane and his parents.