GLASGOW - Thomas E. "Tommy" Rodgers, 78, of Glasgow, most recently of Great Falls, former businessman, passed away Saturday, Oct. 3, 2009, at Peace Hospice, of natural causes.

Funeral services will be held at Hillcrest Lawn Chapel on Saturday, Oct. 10, at 1 p.m., with interment to follow in Mount Olivet Cemetery. Schnider Funeral Home is handling arrangements.

Tom was born Jan. 25, 1930, in Miles City. The family moved to Browning in 1935. Tom graduated from Browning High School in 1947 and attended Carroll College and the University of Washington.

On Aug. 16, 1952, he married the love of his life, Barbara Norman, at the Church of the Little Flower in Browning. They moved to Glasgow in 1953, where they raised their family and established a number of businesses. Tommy's Standard was his base, and from that location he added the Clansman Lounge and Supper Club, the Aurora Club, Kens Night Club, Stan's Saloon and numerous other businesses. Tom was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Chamber of Commerce and the Elks Club.

He was known as the hardest working man in Glasgow. His work was his life. Tom was most proud of his children's accomplishments, which reflected his hard work ethic. He had a love of his Irish heritage; his humor and wit were enjoyed by many. He was never known to turn away a person in need.

He will be missed, "until we meet again…".

Survivors include his wife, Barbara Rodgers of Glasgow; daughters Kathleen (Ron) Girard of Billings, Corinne (Rick) Dix of Denver and Deborah (Greg) Oswood of Great Falls; sons Thomas C. Rodgers of Alexandria, Va., and Kevin E. Rodgers of Bozeman; a sister, Mary Romsa of Great Falls; and eight grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Tom and Alice Rodgers.

Memorials are suggested to Peace Hospice of Montana, 2600 15th Ave. S., Great Falls, MT 59405.

Condolences may be left for the family at www.schniderfuneralhome

.com.