RAPID CITY | Thomas Owen Timmons died peacefully Oct. 19, 2014, at the Rapid City Hospice House surrounded by his family. Tom was born Sept. 22, 1926, to Frank and Ellen (Fahey) Timmons in Sturgis. He grew up on the family ranch near Marcus, SD, where he attended elementary school in rural Meade County and St. Martin's Academy in Sturgis. His parents moved to New Underwood where he attended high school and graduated in 1945. He immediately joined the army and was stationed in Frankfurt, Germany, until his discharge. On Jan. 4, 1947, he married Berniece Miller in New Underwood. They moved to Rapid City where he worked at Marlyst Cleaners. In 1952, his father purchased the Crystal Bar and he went to work there as a bartender. When his father died, he and his brother purchased the Crystal, which they operated together until 1981, when they sold the business. Upon retirement, he and Berniece moved to a small ranch north of Rapid City. There he devoted his energy to landscaping and gardening. The small vineyard he planted is still producing quality grapes. In 1998, he moved back into Rapid City. Over the next 15 years he had a major heart attack, renal failure, multiple sclerosis, broken hip, prostate cancer and loss of vision in one eye. In spite of the severity of his illness he always had the will and strength to fight and overcome what the doctors said were unbeatable odds. Tom is survived by his wife of 67 years, Berniece; four children, Tom (Patty) Timmons, Jill (Bob) Miner, Craig (Mae) Timmons and Cathy (Charlie) Schmidgall; seven grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers Dale and Tim; and an infant sister. Tom will be remembered fondly by his family and friends as a man who embraced life and lived it to its fullest even during trying times. He took an interest in everyone's life and offered a thousand small favors of support to anyone in need. He was a kind loving and generous man and will be missed greatly by all who knew him. Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., with 7 p.m. Christian wake services today at Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home. Christian Funeral Mass will be offered at 10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 23, at St. Therese Catholic Church, with the Rev. William Zandri presiding. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established.