George Thomas Hamaker passed away on November 22, 2021, at his home surrounded by loved ones. George, mostly known as Tom, was born on May 15, 1946, to Lester and Virginia Hamaker in Butte, Montana. Growing up Tom could most likely be found at his grandparents’ house in Alder, woodworking with his grandfather or playing with his collection of toy trucks and cars. Tom graduated from Montana Western with a bachelor’s degree in secondary education. After college Tom began driving the city bus. While working he met the love of his life and future wife Mary Jo McDermott in August of 1969. They fell in love at first sight and were married on November 8, 1969. Once they married, they moved to Turner, Montana so Tom could begin teaching. After a few years, he chose a different career path and began his career working for the highway patrol. They welcomed three daughters, Sharon, Janelle, and Shauna.
Tom was with the Montana Highway Patrol for 20 years – badge #204 – before he retired in 1998. He couldn’t fully retire because he needed to stay busy, so Tom then began a new driving adventure with Lisac’s Tires. He loved delivering tires but had to resign from that after he began having health issues. It was then that he found driving bus for Headstart and his work family. Tom was loved by everyone he encountered, his sense of humor and quick wit is especially remembered when Tom’s name comes up.
Tom was a devoted family man, his wife, kids, grandchildren, and great granddaughters meant the world to him. Tom thrived when the family was around him. Tom loved to shop at Harbor Freight and Home Depot and go on his road trips to Helena with his wife and in later times daughter Janelle. It was always a new adventure and like he had just walked into Harbor Freight for the first time every time he went. Tom was a very simple man, and it was the simplest things that brought him joy.
Tom was proceeded in death by his wife of 51 years, Mary Jo, his mother, and father, Virgina and Lester Hamaker, his brother, Larry Hamaker, his grandparents, Gladys and Tom Jones, his mother and father-in-law, Josephine and Hugh McDermott, brother-in-law, Hugh McDermott, and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Tom is survived by his daughters Sharon (Patrick) Sanders, Janelle Hamaker, Shauna (Shane) Morse, grandchildren TJ Hamaker, Kylee Hamaker (Aaron Merrick), Carley (Troy) Johnson, Greg Hamaker, Jenna Sanders, Kira Morse and Cobey Strommen and great granddaughters Brinlee Bumgarner and Willow Johnson. His sister and brother-in-law, Celeste and Tom Turner and numerous nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his side kick Max.
Tom is going to be greatly missed and a big void is in our hearts. We are comforted knowing our dad and Papa is now at peace with the love of his life, our mother and grandma dear and has been reunited with his mother, father, brother, and grandparents.
The family would like to extend a big heartfelt thank you to Highland Hospice, especially Dana and Melissa and to Dr. Naef at Community Hospital in Anaconda. The compassion and empathy and knowledge everyone possessed is greatly recognized and deeply appreciated from the bottom of all our hearts.
“When we lose someone we love, we must learn not to live without them, but to live with the love they left behind.”
Funeral Mass for Tom and Mary Jo will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 4th at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, on the corner of 2nd St. and Utah Ave. in Butte. Rite of Committal will follow at Mountain View Cemetery, 3910 Harrison Ave. A reception will follow the committal at the Copper King Hotel in the Grand Ballroom, 4655 Harrison Ave. In lieu of flowers, memorials in honor of Tom are suggested to Montana Hope Project, P.O. Box 5927, Helena, MT, 59604, or to Action Incorporated, 25 W. Silver St, Butte, MT 59701, or to the charity of donor’s choice.
Please visit below to offer a condolence or share a memory of George.
Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for George and his family.
Janet Dill says
I have many fond memories of Tom and Mary Jo in their Billings years. They always opened their home and hearts. Later I got reacquainted with Tom in Butte. He was a reliable and kind man. My heartfelt condolences to the family.
Kim Williamson says
May you all find peace in your hearts. This is such devastating news to me. I have never met two of the most wonderful people as your parents ( Tom & Mary Jo) . They have treated me so wonderful these past 16 years as their tenant, I’ve never had a better landlord than them. You all meant alot to me. I so very sorry to hear this, please know your family is the best and I’m here for you all. God Bless and may you all find peace.
With Love
Kim Williamson
Elena Nelson says
Dear Hamaker family, I’m so sorry for your loss. Toms legacy will live on through all of you. With love always, Elena
Robert J Kettenring (MHP 278) retired says
I worked with Tom for many years while we were stationed in Billings, many times hand in hand. He was truly a dedicated Patrolman. Tom worked with me when we were in the Association & he was the one that carved out the State of Montana w/patches that was given to each Division (6 at that time) from the Association. I also had many personal experiences with both Tom & Mary Ann which I will remember always. My thoughts & prayers go out to his family.
Danette says
So sorry for your loss. Huge loss was a great dad and family man. He will be missed you all.
Anonymous says
Loved them both!!
Judith Murphy says
I worked with Tom in my years as secretary for the Montana Highway Patrol. Tom was fun to have around. It was always a great day when I would encounter him or Mary Jo in my daily life. Both of them were very positive people and made you feel like you were very special to them. I am so glad that you girls and the grands have such special memories of your time with you parents.
Steve Barry says
I worked with Tom in our Billings MHP Detachment and he was a wonderful Officer. His calm demeanor and easy-going style allowed him to work with people in difficult circumstances and bring them to peaceful resolution. He had a Great wit and sense of humor that would catch you off guard if you weren’t paying close attention. I always enjoyed our ride-Along’s and he represented the MHP well. May God Bless him and all his family and may the stories they share together keep him close in memory and thought.
Don and Sandy Regnier says
So very sorry to hear Tom passed. We were neighbors when Tom and Mary Jo lived in Billings. Lots of funny memories and laughter. Sending love to their family !
Don and Sandy Regnier
Katherine Buckley-Patton says
Both Mary Jo and Tom hold cherished remembrances in my heart. Each had the “joy of life” so firmly embedded in their approach to others, you never left an encounter with them with anything but a smile & a giggle! How blessed we all were to have them in our lives. How less bright the world will be without them. Their dedication to and love of their family was easily one of their most treasured values.