Thomas Leon Yarger

Thomas Leon Yarger, Tuck, Tom, age 68, of Conrad passed away peacefully on the morning of Sunday, March 27, 2016 after losing his courageous battle with lung cancer.

A graveside memorial with Veterans Honors will be held on April 2nd, 2016 at 2pm at Hillside Cemetery with a Celebration of Life following at Coaches Corner Pizza. This is an informal event, please join us in celebrating Tom’s life.  Arrangements have been entrusted to Whitted Funeral Chapel in Shelby.

Tom was born March 21st, 1948, in Miles City, MT, to Dan & Grace Yarger.

Tom was raised in Brockway, MT. He met the love of his life, Lauriena, at the young of age 15.  The couple married 5 years later while he was enlisted in the US Army in Fort Jackson, SC.   While serving in the Army as a mess hall cook he also spent his evenings moonlighting to learn the trade of cutting meat.

After his honorable discharge from the Army, the couple moved to Glendive, MT, where Tom started his career with Buttrey Food Stores.  After 4 years Tom transferred with Buttrey’s to Conrad, MT, where he settled with his wife and 3 girls.

In 1982 Tom left Buttrey’s to start a new adventure as a business owner. He used his skills as a meat cutter and opened up his own deli/meat market, T&L Meats. Many people would stop in on a regular basis just to hear his joke of the day. Everyone who came in contact with him would walk away with a smile. In 1995 Tom retired the butcher knives and donned an apron to start his new career as a restaurant owner.  Tom hung up his apron in late 2014 upon his diagnosis.

From a very young age Tom was a very hard worker. He often worked from sun up to sun down. While his job was very important, his family always came first.  He was involved in every activity they participated in, never missing out on the opportunity to be their number one fan. He was even known to put on a cheerleading skirt to show his support!

Tom’s hobbies included home remodeling projects, hot rodding his 1966 GTO (his prized possession), hunting, fishing, camping, gardening, listening to Elvis Presley, vacationing in Las Vegas with his wife, and spending time with his family.

Tom supported the Booster Club where he once served as Treasurer and often donated to local and surrounding areas as well as volunteering his time cooking for local events.

Tom can be described as a man of great character, generosity, dedication and limitless patience. He often loved with solitude and sometimes silence.

Tom is preceded in death by his parents, brother, John, and sister Montie Ann Nagel.

Tom is survived by his loving wife of nearly 48 years, Lauriena Yarger, his three daughters, Christy Stubbs, Janelle Yarger, Michelle Yarger, son-in-law, Gene Stubbs and grandchildren Samantha Stubbs, Willie and Chelsey Stubbs, Dallas VanLuchene, Jordan, Ashley and Elijah Allen as well as three great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Bonnie Bergerson, a half brother, Carl John Rice, and several nieces and nephews.