Thomas 'Todd' D. Gummer

Thomas "Todd" D. Gummer was born to Charles and Sylvia Gummer on Aug. 20, 1923, in Gildford, Montana, and passed away after a long battle with COPD on Nov. 14, 2013, in Spokane.

He was preceded in death by his brothers, Donovan, Earl, Morris and Sivert and is survived by Helen, his wife of almost 69 years; daughters, Darlene (Rick) Lockert and Debbie (Gary) McMurtery; grandchildren, Shannon (Scott) Hendrickson, Darcy (Daniel) Brixey, Jeff (Monica) McMurtery, and Gayle McMurtery; great-grandchildren, Jade and Preston Hendrickson, Iain and Helen Brixey and Jamie McMurtery; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. 

During World War II, he served as a corporal in the U.S. Army Military Police in the European Theater. He married Helen Parks, Dec 18, 1944, at Fort Lawton in Seattle.  They returned to Montana in 1947 and in 1949 he went to work for Great Northern Railway in Havre as a laborer, working his way up to electrician then foreman. In 1967, he was transferred to Spokane, where he retired in 1981 as general foreman at Parkwater. He described himself as "a jack of all trades - master of none," and we all knew who to turn to when we needed help. In retirement, he enjoyed family time, golf, camping, his flower gardens and his elaborate homemade Christmas decorations - not necessarily in that order. He was a member of Fowler United Methodist Church, VFW Post 1474, NARVE and a past member of Eagles Aerie 2. He loved his church, and he loved children, so in lieu of flowers, if you wish to make a donation in his name, please send it to Fowler United Methodist Church, 3928 N Howard St., Spokane, WA  99205 or Shriners Hospitals for Children, 911 W 5th Ave. Spokane, WA 99204. A memorial service will be held June 7, 1 p.m., at Fowler United Methodist Church, Pastor Glenn Kennedy officiating.

Arrangements have been made by Riplinger Funeral Home, and a guestbook is available at http://www.riplingerfuneralhome.com.