Thomas was born May 2, 1956, to Richard E. Gell and Vera Louise (Fallon) Gell at Saint Mary's Hospital in Pittsford, NY. He and his two brothers, Ricky and Danny, grew up and attended school in Pittsford, NY, until Thomas joined the US Air Force in 1974 where he attended Douglas High School in Box Elder, SD.

While attending Douglas High School, Thomas met and married the love of his life, Carla Dial. The couple married on October 9, 1976. After his honorable discharge, Thomas went to work for Chicago Northwestern Railroad as a machine operator for several years. He later went to Cheyenne Aerotech School and completed a two year degree program and got his A&P license. He worked at Westjet air center until he made a career change and went to work for the local union at the Civic Center as a production crew member where he traveled all over the United States working at several venues meeting many of his lifelong friends.

Thomas loved his family and enjoyed spending time with them. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, and the outdoors. He loved rock hunting also.

He was a loving husband, father, and friend to anyone he met. He will be truly missed.

Thomas E. Gell, 61, Rapid City, died Monday, December 4, 2017 at his home.

Survivors include his wife, Carla; daughters, Vera (Luke) Bourne and Michelle Gell; granddaughters, Harmony and Lillianna Morrison; parent, Nancy Gell; brothers, Richard (Anne) Gell and their sons, Ricky and Brian and their families, Danny (Maggie) Gell and their daughters, Kelly and Kate Gell and their families; and sister, Elizabeth (Glen) Wolfe and their children, Hanna and Alec Wolfe.

Thomas was preceded in death by his parents, Richard E. and Vera Gell; and one grandson, Quentin E. Gell.

Visitation will be 8:00 a.m. to time of services on Saturday at Kinkade Funeral Chapel in Sturgis.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, December 9, 2017, at Kinkade Funeral Chapel in Sturgis. Inurnment with military honors will be 11:00 a.m. Monday, December 11, 2017, at Black Hills National Cemetery.

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