Thomas Getter

Thomas I. Getter, 80, died peacefully on May 6,2009, in Casper, Wyoming surrounded by his devoted family. He passed on after a lengthy illness. He will be remembered at a memorial service at Shepherd of the Hills Presbyterian Church on Tuesday, May 12 at 1 p.m.

Tom was born on August 14, 1928 in Cut Bank, Montana, to Glenn and Ruth (Kittleson) Getter. He graduated from Cut Bank High School in May of 1946. He attended the University of Montana in Missoula, Montana, where he studied Business and was a member of the Sigma Nu Fraternity. He attended for two years, after which he began to help operate the family oilfield trucking business, Getter Trucking, Inc. He joined his brothers in this venture, which expanded to 5 states and 9 terminals. This successful business, which he loved, continued until his retirement in 1990. He spent several years in the United States Air Force, stationed in Great Falls, MT, during the Korean War. He was a very patriotic man and served his country with pride.

Tom married Janet Gibbs on February 7, 1955, in Wolf Point, Montana. They lived for several years in Cut Bank and then resided in Roundup, Montana until moving to Gillette, Wyoming in 1963. They raised their three children there and remained until his retirement in 1990. Tom was an active member of the community of Gillette until moving to Casper, Wyoming in 1990 to be closer to his family and new grandchildren. During his career in the oilfield trucking business, Tom received several awards and honors, including the Wyoming Trucking Association's Con H. Biederman Humanitarian Award.

Tom was elected to the Wyoming State House of Representatives from Campbell County in 1978 and served three terms. He was a member of several committees including the Highways and Transportation committee and the Mines and Minerals committee. He was also a member of the Wyoming Trucking Association, of which he served as president from 1973-1975. He served as Vice-President for the American Trucking Association. Tom was a member of various fraternal organizations: The Elks Club, Shriners, and the Masonic Lodge. He was a director of the First National Bank in Gillette for many years.

Tom was a member ofthe Shepherd of the Hills Presbyterian Church in Casper. He was a philanthropist who was generous with his donations to various charities, especially the United Way. He enjoyed photography, golf, and was a licensed pilot for many years, but most of all loved spending time with his family. He spent many winters with his wife enjoying retirement in Rancho Mirage, California, and while there enjoyed four-wheeling with his friends. One of his favorite places, which he enjoyed since childhood, was Whitefish Lake, Montana. He spent many wonderful summers there with his family throughout his life.

He was a wonderful, kindhearted man who will be incredibly missed by his family and friends. He made friends wherever he went and was a very loyal, trustworthy and unselfish person. He has left behind a legacy of strong moral values and faith, solid work ethic and loving family unity and was a great example of forgiveness and compassion.

He is survived by his wife Janet, his son and daughter-in-law Alan and Lynette Getter, daughter and son-in-law Cindy and John Brooks, daughter and son-in-law Brenda and John Foy, and six grandchildren who made him very proud: Kristen and Tommy Getter, Kyle and Carly Sedar, and Lauren and Ryan Foy. He is also survived by a sister, Beverly Blankenship, of Helena, MT and a brother, Bruce Getter, of Whitefish, MT, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Glenn and Ruth, and his older brother, Ralph.

Memorials may be sent to the Shriners Hospitals for Children. Newcomer Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.