Thomas J. Abourezk

RAPID CITY - Thomas J. "Tom" Abourezk, 79, passed away Thursday, April 19, 2001, surrounded by his family, after a long battle with cancer.

Tom was born on April 29, 1921, to Charles Abourezk Sr. and Lena (Mickel) Abourezk in Gregory, S.D. He grew up and graduated from high school in Wood, S.D., in 1939. He attended South Dakota State College for one year. Tom had a passion for life and learning. Throughout his entire life, he continually expanded his knowledge base including learning to speak three languages.

Tom enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in Rapid City in January 1942 and served four years. During his enlistment, he completed two tours of duty overseas, one in the South Pacific and one in the Western Pacific, each lasting approximately one year. Additionally, he served as ground crew chief to Pappy Boyington, a famous Marine Corps pilot who commanded the Black Sheep squadron in the South Pacific. He was honorably discharged in November 1945 at the rank of First Sergeant. Tom's love for the Marine Corps and what they taught him prompted many years of involvement with the Black Hills Detachment of the Marine Corps League. He served in different capacities including commandant. Because of his involvement in World War II, Tom became a self-taught historian of the war and truly enjoyed pursuing this interest. He was a loyal friend and maintained his military friendships all of his life.

He was united in marriage to Twila L. Fox on Dec. 22, 1946, in Winner, S.D. They made their home in Mission, S.D., for 28 years and have since lived in Rapid City, S.D. They were blessed with four daughters: Bonnie Longcor and her children, Lyn, Tina and Michael; Colleen and her husband, Bill Kary, and their children, Karissa and Wes; Jill and her husband, Tom Rau, and their children, Liz, Anna and Sasha; and Susan and her husband, Jim Callas, and their children, Max and Hannah.

Tom, along with his brother Chick, owned and operated the Abourezk Store in Mission on the Rosebud Indian Reservation for 28 years and the Evans Plunge in Hot Springs, S.D., for 17 years. Tom was active in the S.D. Retailers Association and served as its president from 1961-1963. Since his retirement, he had been involved in SCORE (Service Corporation of Retired Executives) as a counselor. Another interest that he had was in woodworking. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church for 22 years. Family and friends were extremely important to Tom, and he very much enjoyed his immediate and extended family, hometown and Marine reunions. He always made a point of attending these functions throughout the U.S. many times each year.

Tom was preceded in death by both of his parents, one brother, Chick (Charles) Abourezk and one sister, Helen Ramey. He is survived by his wife, Twila; his four daughters, sons-in-law and 10 grandchildren. His siblings include one sister, Virginia, and her husband, Dick Nicholson, Winner, and one brother, former U.S. Senator James Abourezk and his wife, Sanaa, Sioux Falls; and a host of relatives and friends. Tom's life brought great joy and was inspiring to many people. Tom was dedicated to helping others throughout his life and his stability, perseverance and strength served as a foundation for his entire family. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

Visitation will be from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. today at Osheim-Catron Funeral Home in Rapid City. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Monday, April 23, at First United Methodist Church in Rapid City, with Reverend Steve Foss officiating. Interment will be at the Black Hills National Cemetery, with military honors provided by the Black Hills Detachment of the Marine Corps League of Rapid City and Rushmore VFW Post No. 1273 of Rapid City. A memorial has been established with the Memorial Committee of First United Methodist Church and the Black Hills Children's Home.

- from the Rapid City Journal, April 22, 2001