of Belvidere, South Dakota, died on Monday, November 16, 2009 at his residence in Belvidere at the age of 80
Thomas Wesley Carrico was born Saturday, December 29, 1928 and died November 16, 2009, six weeks shy of his 81st birthday. Tom was born in Belvidere, South Dakota, where he attended the Belvidere Public School, graduating, as the only member of his class. Tom was the oldest of four children, born to J. Otto and Ann Carrico. Phyllis (Owens), Otha (Buck) and Keith were to follow. He was Baptized and attended Holy Mass at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, in Belvidere. Tom played baseball and basketball for Belvidere, and one year the baseball team went to the State Tournament. Not bad for a town of fewer than two hundred people.
Tom attended the University of South Dakota, for two years, was drafted and spent much of his Army time in Japan. After his discharge Tom worked at various jobs and attended Black Hills State University, graduating in 1957. He then went to Thailand, where he surveyed new highway construction, in that country. Upon his return to the States Tom worked at various jobs as a Civil Engineer, ultimately working on the McCormick Place in Chicago. While in Chicago, Tom and Helen were married. They moved to Wyoming where Tom surveyed for coal, oil and uranium. Later he went to Alaska and worked on the Pipeline.
Tom and Helen bought and managed a motel in WaKeeney, Kansas. They sold it and moved to Anchorage, Alaska, where the owned and operated another motel. After several years they sold it and purchased a motel in Rapid City, South Dakota.
Tom loved to travel. He visited over forty-five countries, some more than once. Once he retired, back in Belvidere (population was now about 45 souls) he took up the job of keeping the town and cemetery neat and clean. Tom and Helen continued to travel. About four years ago, Tom had major surgery and was unable to do much of anything for many months. He never regained his previous strength, but nevertheless he was planning on a trip to Mexico City, in December of 2009.
Tom would accept almost any challenge. When he was 70, he ran a race with a much younger man, but passed out before the finish line, skinning his knees and blackening his eyes. He pretty much thought he could do anything, and I guess, for the most part he could. He said he wanted to be buried in the Belvidere Cemetery, to be with his friends. That wish will be granted.
Survivors include Thomas' step-son David Jewett of Dwight, Illinois; step-daughter Christine Childers and her husband Michael of Arlington, Heights, Illinois; three step-grandchildren Brenda Obil and her husband Felipe of Arlington Heights, Illinois, Michael Childers of Arlington Heights, and Robert Childers and his wife Janet of Round Lake, Illinois; one step-great-granddaughter Lexi Childers of Round Lake; two brothers Keith Carrico and his wife Jane of Florence,Oregon, and Otha "Buck" Carrico of Quartzsite, Arizona; one sister Phyllis Owens of Rapid City; and a host of other relatives and friends.
In addition to his wife Helen, Thomas was preceded in death by his parents and their dog Shadow.
A vigil service was held 7:00 p.m. Sunday, November 22, at the Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church in Kadoka.
Mass of Christian Burial was held 10:00 a.m. Monday, November 23, at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church in Kadoka, with Father Bryan Sorensen officiating.
Interment with military honors by the American Legion Post #27 of Kadoka, was at the Belvidere Cemetery.
A memorial is established.
MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL
Monday, November 23, 2009 - 10:00 a.m.
Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church
Kadoka, South Dakota
CELEBRANT
Father Bryan Sorensen
MUSIC
JoAnne Stilwell
“Amazing Grace”
“Ave Maria”
“Panis Angelicus”
“Song of Farewell”
“How Great Thou Art”
USHERS
Joe Leutenegger - John Rodgers
PALLBEARERS
Tracy Owens - Mark Owens
Todd Owens - Brenda M. Obil
Michael D. Childers - Robert E. Childers
HONORARY PALLBEARERS
All Relatives & Friends In Attendance
INTERMENT WITH MILITARY HONORS
American Legion Post #27 of Kadoka
Belvidere Cemetery
Belvidere, South Dakota
Vigil Service: 7:00 p.m. Sunday, November 22, at the Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church in Kadoka.
Mass of Christian Burial: 10:00 a.m. Monday, November 23, at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church in Kadoka, with Father Bryan Sorensen officiating.
Interment: Belvidere Cemetery.