Thomas Hammerbacker

Tom Hammerbacker, 87, passed on May 15, 2021 after suffering from a lengthy illness.  He was born January 28, 1934 to Myrtle and John Hammerbacker in Miles City. Tom graduated from high school in 1951. He attended Junior College and was employed for the Montana State Highway Department. Tom was drafted into the US Army and served overseas in Germany as Artillery Survey Specialist. He was decorated with a National Defense Medal Army of Occupation medal (Germany) and Good Conduct medal. Tom continued his courses while in the military and was honorably discharged in 1955. He returned to Montana and his work with the State Highway Department on the survey crew.  Tom married the love of his life, Charlene Harvey, on January 20, 1957.  They traveled with the highway department settling in Conrad with their 2 children, Randi and Scott.  Through the College of Engineering (Montana State University) Tom received his certificate in Advanced Surveying.  He served 18 years as Resident Engineer/Project Manager for the Contract Administration Montana Department of Highways.  Tom retired in 1986 from the State Department after nearly 34 years. He served 4 years as Conrad City Councilman and was Conrad’s mayor from 1986 to 1997.  He received 3 Governor Citation awards through the years for his meritorious work on community infrastructure including the concept of the Blue Sky Villa retirement village. Tom served as Chairman of the Board for his successful acquisition from the US AirForce.

Tom served on Conrad Zoning Commission, Conrad Pavement Management Committee, Legislative Resolution Committee, Montana League of Cities and Towns, Executive Board of Directors Montana Municipal Insurance Authority, Executive Board of Directors for Tri-City Interlocal, MSU Montana Policy Council, City County Planning Board, Administrative Conrad Flood Plan and Advisory Board of the Montana Environmental Quality Control. Tom was a life-long member of Conrad’s VFW Post #7655 having served twice as Post Commander.  He was an avid hunter and fisherman. Through the years, he and Charlene enjoyed camping at Lake Koocanusa. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

He is preceded in death by his mother, Myrtle; step-father, Ralph Carlston; father, John; sisters, Jo Blansfield and Jerry Nyberg; and brother, Dick.

Survivors include his wife, Charlene; daughter, Randi Eppe; son, Scott; granddaughters, Nicki and Allana; great granddaughter, Zoee; sister-in-law, Misty; several nieces, nephews, and his little Boston Terrier, Duffy.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Pondera Medical Center, VFW Post #7655, or charity of donor’s choice.

Graveside service will be held Friday, May 21, at 3pm at Hillside Cemetery.

If unable to attend service click on Zoom link to watch service live: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85453829218?pwd=OWE3eHFmUng1T1RYdUJ6Y0hVSHFvdz09

The Zoom will start approx 2:50pm on Friday.