Thomas Eli Evans, 75, passed away December 23, 2016 at his home in Loma. His memorial service will be held 1 p.m. Monday, January 2, 2016 at the Community Bible Church with Pastor Joseph Jordan officiating. Burial with full military honors will follow at the Riverside Cemetery. Memorials in Thomas' honor may be made to Peace Hospice of Great Falls and the Fort Benton Cancer Fund. You may visit Tom's online memorial at www.bentonfh.com . Services and arrangements have been entrusted to Benton Funeral Home.

Thomas was born September 30, 1941 in Marion, Ohio to Joseph Eli and Martha Erine (Coy) Evans. He was raised and educated in Marion graduating from Marion High School. He entered the United States Air Force and was honorably discharged after 12 years of service. After his discharge, Tom moved to Fort Benton, Montana in 1977. He began working at Jordan's Garage as a mechanic, where he met Barb. He then went to work at Perry Farms. He married Barb Hightower in Fort Benton on September 29, 1979. Together they purchased the bar and café named the "Pepper Pot" which they operated until they sold in 2001.

Tom was a devoted Ohio sports fan. He enjoyed watching football, baseball, and basketball. Anytime there was a game on he would be watching. He would watch the various teams: Ohio State Buckeye's football and basketball. Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, Cincinnati Reds, Cleveland Indians, and Cleveland Cavaliers. After selling the Pepper Pot he went to work for Fort Benton Schools and managed the sports area of the gym and the football field until he retired. Tom always said that was his favorite job. Tom was a devoted Fort Benton Longhorn fan.

Tom enjoyed fishing and camping at Tiber Reservoir, working in his yard keeping it meticulous, Jig Saw Puzzles and fishing. He enjoyed bowling and would help at the alley whenever he could. Tom loved people he never would say a bad word about anyone, he always found the good in people and was a gentleman. Many commented on how handsome he was.

He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents.

Tom is survived by his wife Barb of Loma, Montana. Daughters; Cindy (Doug) Wermelskirchen of Kalispell; Joann Evans of Fort Benton; Tammi (Jeremy) Miller of Moberly, Missouri. Sons; Steve (Nina) Evans and Allen (Holly) Evans all of Great Falls. Sister; Rose Evans and Liz (Al) McDaniel all of Marion, Ohio. Brothers; Gerald Evans of Westerville, Ohio; Joseph Evans of Orlando, FL; and Carl Evans of Marion, Ohio. 10 Grandchildren and 1 Great-Grandchild. Several Nieces, Nephews and Grandnieces and nephews.