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In memory of

Tom McDonnell

of Wall, South Dakota, died on Friday, November 30, 2012 at the Philip Nursing Home in Philip at the age of 101

Thomas S. “Tom” McDonnell was born, along with his twin brother Vern, on May 15, 1911, on their parents’ homestead ten miles north of Quinn, South Dakota, the son of Frank and Ida (Riesing) McDonnell. They grew up on the homestead and received their education at the Huron Township rural school in that area. As a young man, Tom farmed in the Quinn area.
Tom was united in marriage to Rose Melvin on December 24, 1945, at Cheyenne, Wyoming. Tom and Rose, along with his brother Vern and his wife Beulah farmed on the family homestead. Tom later purchased a D-8 Cat Scraper and Dozer, and built dams and roads in the Quinn area for over ten years.
In 1972, Tom and Rose moved into Wall, yet Tom returned to the homestead daily. After Rose’s death on October 12, 2001, Tom continued to reside in Wall. In 2009, at the age of 98, he remained active operating the D-7 Cat and did a lot of dirt work for his nephew Steve. In May 2010, Tom moved into the Philip Nursing Home where he joined his brother Vern.
Survivors include his twin brother Vern McDonnell of Philip;his nephew Steven McDonnell and his wife Terry of Quinn, his niece Lea Ymker of Armour, South Dakota; 18 nieces and nephews; a sister-in-law Cecilia Melvin of Wall; and a host of other relatives and friends.
In addition to his wife Rose, Tom was preceded in death by his father Frank in 1955, his mother Ida in 1957; and a great-nephew Travis McDonnell.
Graveside services were held 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, December 4, at the Wall Cemetery, with Father Leo Hausmann officiating.
At Tom's request, in lieu of flowers memorials are to be directed to the Philip Nursing Home.


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Graveside services: 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, December 4, at the Wall Cemetery, 
At Tom's request, in lieu of flowers memorials are to be directed to the Philip Nursing Home.

  • What a joy it has been to get to know Tom, as he first visited his brother, always bringing news, a cherry hello, and good conversation. And then as he joined us, there could not have been a kinder, more considerate resident. I loved his graciousness, his wealth of history about the area and his 'well-rounded' sense of humor. I will miss this gentleman cowboy.
    God Bless his beloved family.     ~ Rebecca Williams Philip, SD (11/30/2012)
  • So sorry to hear of your loss. I remember first time I waited on Tom and Rose because he ordered his cereal with coffee in it and not milk. He was kind and telling things about this area. He will be greatly missed. Our prayers are with you, ~ Randy & Carol Lynch Quinn, SD (11/30/2012)
  • I sure did wanna see ol Tom and Vern on Good Morning America as the oldest living twins, but that was just my wish. I can't eat oatmeal to this day without thinking of Tom. I was privileged to wait on this man when he came in for breakfast at the Cactus each morning. He was always kind...never could understand how that man could go around without a coat on when it was twenty below zero. He sure was a gentleman. Always treated me with respect and he would spend 3 dollars on his breakfast but left a 5 dollar tip. There won't be anymore like him. Tom never said a bad word about anyone. His kind are few and far. ~ Norma Carson Wall, SD (11/30/2012)
  • We are so sorry for your loss. May we all live such long, healthy, and full lives! You will be in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Mike & Shar ~ Mike & Shar Moses Philip (11/30/2012)
  • So sorry to hear of Mr. McDonnells passing. I guess he proved that hard work won't kill you. Like to see all our young people follow his lifestyle. We so admired Tom and George was in awe that he still operated his equipment just a very few years ago. Well into his nineties if I remember correctly. We will say a prayer for Vern as I'm sure this is a sad time for him. God is good and will help him find peace for him in the days ahead. God Bless all of you. ~ George & Shirley Dennis Philip (11/30/2012)
  • You are all in my thoughts as I remember Tom, a kind and gentle soul. I first met him and Rose somewhere around 20 years ago at bingo for Sacred Heart Church. He sat the whole night just waiting on Rose, because he didn't want to play. Eventually he began buying pull tabs from me to fill the time, and thus our friendship blossomed. He never failed to remember me as he would always wink as he came up for communion. What a dear man. He will be long remembered with happy thoughts. ~ Rita OConnell Philip (11/30/2012)
  • Our sympathy to each of you. Tom was so friendly and helpful to so many.
    ~ Ed &Linda Eisenbraun Rapid City, S.D. (11/30/2012)
  • I didn't know Tom, but met Steven and his family at the Harrison reunion this summer. Sounds like Tom lived quite a long, productive life. My sympathy goes out to all his family. ~ Pam Harrison Clark 1261 Humbolt Ave, Moville, IA 51039 (11/30/2012)
  • Our love and prayers are with the Yumkers and the McDonnells at this time. ~ Dennis & Susan Walsh Miami, FL (11/30/2012)