Thomas David Middleton

Jan. 22, 1931 – Oct. 5, 2008

MONTROSE—Lifelong Montrose area resident, Thomas Davis Middleton, age 77, died after a long illness on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2008 at his home in Montrose. Tom was born on Jan. 22, 1931 in Montrose, Colo. to James Davis and Ruby (Caddy) Middleton.

Tom spent his childhood in Colona, where he attended elementary school and then went to Ridgway High School, where he graduated. On Sept. 1, 1951, he married Carolyn Dukart at St. Mary Catholic Church in Montrose. They were blessed with three children: Karen, the oldest and two sons, Ronald and Thomas. Karen is married to Dan McDonough, has three children and lives in Gunnison.

Ronald and his wife, Bette, have two girls and Thomas and his wife, Melissa, also have two girls. Ronald lives in Montrose and Thomas lives in Olathe. Their father, Tom, bought part of the family ranch on Spring Creek Mesa west of Montrose from his father, James Middleton. Tom followed the family tradition and owned Hereford cattle on land that he rented on Blue Mesa. He also planted beans, potatoes, onions, hay and barley. He and his wife also worked for the Montrose Potato Growers Co-op Association on a part time basis.

After 25 years, he sold the ranch in 1976 and he and his wife, Carolyn moved into town, where they have lived for 31 years. He then went to work for Colorado Ute for 13 years as a custodian before retiring in 1989. Tom belonged to Good Sam’s Camping Organization. With his trailer, he took many trips with Carolyn in the surrounding area. In his spare time he enjoyed his hobbies, consisting of hunting and fishing with his family, snowmobiling and spending time with his children and grandchildren.

Tom is survived by his wife, Carolyn (Dukart) Middleton; his daughter, Karen; his sons, Ron and Tommy; seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Tom was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Robert Middleton, and sister-in-law, Audra Middleton. 

A memorial service in honor and celebration of Tom’s life will be officiated by Paul Nystrom on Thursday, Oct. 9, 2008 at 10 a.m. at the Valley Lawn Funeral Home. 

Memorial contributions in Tom’s name may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care of Western Colorado, PO Box 1804, Montrose, CO 81402.

Valley Lawn Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements, 505 S. 2nd St., Montrose, CO. (970) 249-4400.