Tom "Pop" Short

Tom “Pop” Short, age 85, of Bismarck, passed away on Saturday, January 23, 2021.

He was born on January 27, 1935, in Arkadelphia, the son of Raymond William Short and Julia Matilda Pennington Short. On July 4, 1983, he was married to Jeannette Gundersen Short. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Richard Short and Ray Short; his sister, Marvie Short; his first wife and the mother of his children, Linda Barry Short; and his stepson, Chris Henderson.

A veteran of the U.S. Air Force, Tom was stationed in France while serving during the Korean war, obtaining the rank of Sergeant, and was a Christian in his faith. He was employed with Pacific Gas and Electric, working many years as a dedicated lineman and was later transferred to prepping work for the company to bid on jobs, where he worked until his retirement. His family often looked upon him as a total daredevil because of the extremely dangerous work he would proudly do without thinking about the danger for a minute. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and took great pride in raising his bird dogs, selling them all over the states. His sons will never forget when Tom was on one of his hunting trips and a gentleman approached him asking how he was so fortunate with the outcome of his hunt, and as he was replying to him that it was all in his trained bird dogs he raised, he realized this kind gentleman was none other than the legendary Bing Crosby. After Tom left him with his personal information, Bing later made his way to the Short residence and purchased one of Tom’s famous bird dogs, for himself.

Tom was a wonderful husband, Pop, brother and friend, whose greatest joy in life was spending time with his family, whom he cherished and adored. He will truly be missed by all who knew and loved him, but he has left us with so many memorable stories to share with each other, which most will bring much laughter to us all.

He is survived by his loving wife, Jeannette Short of Bismarck; two sons and one daughter-in-law, Mark and Lori Short of Hot Springs and Neal Short of Bismarck; his stepchildren, Curtis Henderson, twins, Michelle Henderson and Michael Henderson, all of California; ten grandchildren, John Short and his wife, Lindsay, Katie Bennett, and husband, Billy, Sarah Short, Rebecca Short, Anthony Henderson, Elizabeth Freeman and her husband, Josh, Cassondra Henderson and her husband, Greg Bures, Ashley Henderson, Christopher Henderson and Justin Henderson; numerous great-grandchildren; his sister and brother-in-law, Ladora and Jerry Cooper of Redding, California; and several nieces, nephews, extended family members and a host of wonderful friends.

Graveside memorial services will be held at 10:00 AM, Thursday, January 28, 2021, in the Mount Tabor Cemetery with Chaplain Brian Ferrell officiating.

Arrangements are under the direction of Davis-Smith Funeral Home and Crematory, Glenwood.

Guest registry is at www.davis-smith.com.