Thomas Lewis Cornwall

May 20, 1941 – May 19, 2026

Thomas “Tom” Lewis Cornwall peacefully passed from a short battle with cancer surrounded by family on May 19, 2026, at North Big Horn Hospital in Lovell. 

Tom was born on May 20, 1941, to Charles and Cora Cornwall in Missoula, Montana. He was the second youngest of four siblings, Edward Cornwall, Marie Pagliero and David Cornwall. 

Tom’s father was a dispatcher for the Milwaukee Railroad in Montana, and the family moved multiple times during his childhood due to the demands of the occupation. Tom spent his elementary school years in Butte and his early high school years in Lewistown. He graduated high school in Miles City. 

While in high school, Tom spent his summers laying track for the Milwaukee Railroad. In his younger years, Tom was involved in Boy Scouts with his father as his Scouting leader. He never missed an opportunity to tell people that he was just shy of the Eagle Scout rank because he couldn’t pass the swimming merit badge. 

Tom was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran Church. Up until his passing, his faith was of the utmost importance to him. His character reflected his devotion to the Lord as he lived his life with integrity and honor. 

He started his adult career in the grocery business with Safeway in Glendive upon graduating from high school. Due to his work ethic and passion for the job, he was transferred to the Safeway in Lovell as an assistant manager. He eventually took over the business as an independent owner, and he named his store the Rose City Food Farm. After nearly two decades of business, love from the community and many memories, Tom closed the store. He finished his working years as a custodian at Lovell Middle School, where he worked for 18 years until his retirement. 

Tom met his future wife, Sharon Gams, in 1965 while working in Lovell. They were married at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Lovell on June 24, 1966. The two welcomed twin boys, Christopher Charles and Carson Thomas, on October 30, 1970. He loved attending his sons’ baseball and later football games, and you could find the boys helping in the family store (whether they wanted to or not). 

Tom was passionate about classic cars and had the amazing ability to identify different years of cars based only on their headlight and taillight shapes. When he wasn’t working, he enjoyed spending time with his family boating at Horseshoe Bend, camping in the Big Horns, golfing at Foster Gulch and riding motorcycles. 

Meeting his friends for morning coffee almost every day was a big priority for Tom and gave him a loyal community. Deep friendships were made here, and he attended up until he was admitted to the hospital.

Tom and Sharon spent winters in Bullhead City, Arizona, for 15 years. They met many amazing friends and enjoyed golfing, four-wheeling and attending social events. 

Tom was blessed with four grandchildren. Chris and Anita of Billings have three children, Lauren (Trey), Ryan (Addy) and Mason. Carson and Tonya, also of Billings, have a daughter, Megan. He enjoyed doing all the same outdoor activities with his grandchildren that he did with his own kids but exchanged motorcycles for four-wheelers. He never missed an orchestra concert, soccer game or birthday. His grandchildren were his whole world. Last year brought him his first great-granddaughter, Scottie Jo. 

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Charles & Cora, brother Ed and brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Swede & Mollie Olson.

Tom’s legacy lives on in his wife, Sharon, sons and their wives, four grandchildren, sister Marie of Butte, brother David of Butte and many beloved nieces and nephews and great-nieces and -nephews. 

Tom’s devotion, quick wit and funny sarcasm will be greatly missed. His passing has left a large hole in the hearts of both family and friends.