Thomas Lee Crelly was born May 24, 1943 in rural Spencer SD to parents Thomas Eugene and Viola June (Eilts) Crelly.  He passed October 31, 2017 at Bethany Nursing Home in Sioux Falls, SD at the age of 74.

Thomas was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. He attended and graduated from Mitchell Public School in Mitchell, SD. He married Sharon (Paulson) Crelly in the Zion Lutheran Church on May 19th, 1963 in Mitchell. After they were married, Thomas joined the South Dakota National Gaurd. Following his service, they relocated to California for a few years and back to Beresford, SD in 1971 where he began his career managing Wally's Jack & Jill grocery store in Beresford.  Thomas was known for his overwhelming generosity throughout the community while at the same time being able to ensure we all "towed the line". He was always pulling pranks on the people around him to spread his love of laughter.

His life's passion was community service and the rights of the "average joe" through being a active and influential member of the union.  Family was #1 and his life. His other passions include hunting, fishing, NASCAR and of course Jeff Gordon.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Judy, and brother in law Jim. He is survived by his sister Mary Ness of Sioux Falls, SD, brother Tim Crelly, and  brother in law Bill Krietlow of Mitchell, SD; four children Thomas Todd Crelly from New York, Brian Crelly (Tammy), Teresa Haneklaus (Ray), Josh Crelly all of which reside in Centerville, SD as well as 10 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held with family present at 1pm, Sunday November 5th, 2017 at Will Funeral Chapel in Mitchell, SD. Services will be held following visitation at 3pm.