Thomas Edsel

Thomas Edmond Edsel, fondly known as Tom, went to be with the Lord on July 26, 2023. Born on December 19, 1949 in Moravian Falls, North Carolina, Tom lived a life filled with adventure and love. He divided his residences between the cabin he helped build under Castle Reef with the magnificent views of Sawtooth mountain and the Rockies and their ‘townhouse’ in Choteau, Montana with wife Debbie, since their marriage on August 16, 1996. Together, they built a life filled with respect, admiration, and mutual love for each other and nature.



As the renowned American author, Henry David Thoreau once said, "Many men go fishing all of their lives without knowing that it is not fish they are after." Tom’s life was one of rare peace with nature. As a dedicated hunting guide of 49 years, he found his calling in the wild landscapes of the Bob Marshall and Scapegoat Wildernesses.



Tom also touched many lives with his carpentry skills and artistry with antlers.

He was a man of few words, but his actions spoke volumes. He was a teller of tales with a dry wit and wonderful sense of humor. He was also a man of unfailing integrity, stubborn convictions, deep personal faith, love of family, friends, and his beloved mountains. He is survived by his wife, Deborah; sister Linda Edsel; brothers Terry and wife Donna Edsel, Jim and wife Wanda Edsel; nephew Wyatt Edsel; niece Jenny (Edsel) and husband Garrett Shu, all of North Carolina. Thad and Katie Lensing , and grandchildren Blake, Emma, Tate, and Easton Lensing of Billings, Montana and many more beloved family members to whom he was a constant source of strength and inspiration. He was preceded in death by his loving parents, Edmond and Pauline Edsel.



As we mourn his passing, we also celebrate the life of a man who found his home in the heart of nature, inspiring countless others to do the same.



We invite you to share your memories of Thomas and upload photos to his memorial page, to honor his life and the love he shared with us all.