Tom Norman

Chronicle Staff

Published: Wednesday, March 11th, 2009

Thomas Michael Norman was born to Joseph and Kathryn “Kitty” (Rush) Norman, Dec. 5, 1927, in Hot Springs, S.D., and was raised on the family ranch east of Buffalo Gap, S.D. He attended country school east of the ranch and attended Rapid City (S.D.) Cathedral High School, where he met and later married Audrey Anderson. Tom and Audrey were married June 5, 1948, and had four daughters. They ranched east of Buffalo Gap until 1987 when they moved to Rapid City and later Rockerville, S.D.   Tom loved the ranch life and keeping in touch with longtime friends.  Tom never knew a stranger and everyone was always welcome in their home. Tom was active in many community organizations through the years, including the school board, Custer County (S.D.) Fair Board, Western South Dakota Buckaroos, a 4-H leader, Western Junior Livestock Honoree and most recently, an Honoree of the Society of Black Hills Pioneers. Tom was also a volunteer for Hospice of the Hills for several years.   Tom died Tuesday, March 3, 2009, at the Campbell County Memorial Hospital in Gillette, Wyo. He was 81. Tom was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Audrey; his parents; two sisters, Alyce Rankin and Josephine Hasselstrom; an infant brother, Donald; brothers-in- law, Shirley Rankin and Harold Hasselstrom; and infant grandson, Lathe Thomas Jagow. Survivors include four daughters, Kathy (Jack) Coleman of  Springfield, S.D., Judie (Don) Morehead of Gillette, Robin (Jimmy) Crisp of Rapid City and Cokie (Eliot) Kammerer of Piedmont, S.D.; 12 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial was March 7 at The Church of St. Therése, The Little Flower with Fr. Bill Zandri presiding.  Graveside rights at the Buffalo Gap Cemetery followed. A memorial has been established to Hospice of the Hills Hospice House, 224 Elk St., Rapid City. Friends may sign his online guest register and offer condolences at www.osheimschmidt.com.