10/16/2026
Thomas Richard “Tom” Dunbar, 77, of Billings, Montana, passed away peacefully on October 12, 2026, at Legacy Assisted Living. Tom lived a life filled with hard work, dedication, service, laughter, and love for the people around him. He was a proud father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend who leaves behind a lifetime of memories and a legacy that will not soon be forgotten.
Tom was born on January 7, 1949, in Springfield, Colorado, to Roy and Loriene Dunbar, while the family was living in Pritchett, Colorado. As the oldest of three boys, Tom grew up learning the values of responsibility, perseverance, and family—qualities he carried with him throughout his life. He later attended Culbertson High School, graduating in 1967, before continuing his education at Eastern Montana College, where he studied pre-agriculture.
In 1967, Tom began what would become one of the proudest chapters of his life when he enlisted in the Army National Guard as a medic. His commitment to serving his country spanned more than four decades, and through his dedication and leadership, he rose to the rank of First Sergeant (E-8) before retiring in 2009. His military service was a tremendous source of pride, and the friendships and bonds he formed with his fellow soldiers remained an important part of his life. To Tom, serving wasn't simply something he did; it was part of who he was.
Tom brought that same dedication and determination to his civilian career. In 1976, he began working at Hospital Laundry Service as a boiler engineer in maintenance. Through years of hard work, experience, and a willingness to take on new responsibilities, he worked his way through numerous positions before becoming plant manager. He retired in 2014 after nearly four decades of service. Tom believed in showing up, working hard, and taking pride in a job well done, and he led by example throughout his career.
Outside of work and the military, Tom believed in giving his time to others. He served as a 4-H leader and baseball coach, sharing his knowledge, encouragement, and time with young people in his community. Whether he was teaching a new skill, coaching from the sidelines, or simply offering a little guidance, Tom understood the importance of being there for others. His contributions even earned him the special recognition of an honorary degree from Skyview High School.
But there was so much more to Tom than his accomplishments and years of service. He was simply fun to be around. Tom had a fun-loving spirit, enjoyed sharing a laugh, and was always up for a good time. He loved the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing, where he could enjoy the beauty of Montana, spend time with family and friends, and make memories along the way. Whether he was out hunting, casting a fishing line, or enjoying a game of bowling, Tom knew how to make the most of life's simple pleasures. He had a wonderful ability to laugh at himself, too. Whether he was bowling or golfing, he could often tell you exactly what he was doing wrong, even if figuring out how to fix it was another story! That was part of his charm. He didn't take himself too seriously and knew that sometimes the best moments in life weren't about getting everything right, but simply enjoying the experience and the people sharing it with you.
Tom is survived by his former wife, Pat Dunbar; his sons, Chris (Maryann) Dunbar and Jake Dunbar; his brothers, Mike (Robin) Dunbar and Lee Dunbar; his grandsons, Justin, Nathan, and Zac (Kaylie); and his great-grandchildren, Blakely and Tate. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, cousins, dear friends, and fellow brothers and sisters in arms who shared in his life's journey.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Loriene Dunbar, and his beloved daughter, Samantha.
While Tom's passing leaves an emptiness in the hearts of those who loved him, his life leaves behind so much to celebrate. His years of service, his dedication to his work, the young lives he helped shape, the friendships he built, the laughter he shared, and the family he loved are all pieces of a legacy that will continue for generations.
A service honoring Tom's life will be held on Saturday, October 31, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Canvas Church (550 32nd St W, Billings, MT 59102), followed by a celebration of life at the Knights of Columbus (2216 Grand Ave, Billings, MT 59102). Please join us as we celebrate Tom's life, share cherished memories, and tell the stories that made him so unforgettable.
