Sherwin Arthur Bevan, 63

Sherwin Arthur Bevan, 63, "went home to be with his Lord and Savior" on Dec. 16, 2005, as a result of injuries sustained from an auto accident.

He was born in Missoula, Mont., on August 18, 1942, to Fred and Alvira (Morris) Bevan. He mainly grew up in Whitefish on his uncle's ranch, but he also lived in Washington and Oregon when he was young. On his Uncle Dave and Aunt Helen's ranch, he helped with the farming and the mechanical responsibilities. He spent most of his summers bucking hay. When he was old enough, he joined a hot-shot crew and fought fires. He began his military career in the National Guard and from there he went into the Army.

While serving in the Army, Sherwin was stationed all across the United States, Germany, Korea and Vietnam. He always felt very fortunate that he was able to see most of Europe. When he was stationed in Georgia, he met and married his first wife, Mary. Together they had two sons, Robert and Lester. While stationed in Germany, their son Lester was born. He later divorced and married his second wife, Carol. During his time in the Army, he served two tours in Vietnam as a crew chief/door gunner on Huey helicopters. He was proud to serve his country. He retired as a SSG after 22 years of service.

Sherwin lived in California with Carol until they were divorced. He came back to Whitefish in 1982. At this time, he joined the Sheriff's Posse. He really enjoyed his work with the Posse. He continued working with them for 22 years also. He was proud to be an American and would serve his country any way he could. If possible, he would have gone to Iraq to support the troops there.

Sherwin met his wife Cathy in October 1992. They were married April 17, 1993. They lived in Ferndale until the time of his passing. They were members of the First Baptist Church in Whitefish, and he was a past member of the Whitefish Saddle Club.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his stepfather, Ernie Smith; his grandparents, Arthur and Edna Morris; several aunts, uncles, cousins; and his niece, Debbie Hedman.

He is survived by his wife, Cathy Bevan, of Ferndale; his sons, Robert of Kalispell, and Lester of Seeley Lake; his stepsons, James Brown of Detroit, and Michael Brown and his wife, Carissa, of Ferndale; his granddaughters Kallie, Samantha, and Tabetha Bevan of Marion, and Jennifer and Caitlin Brown of Ferndale; one grandson, Caleb Hartman of Lancaster, Ohio; and also Skylar and Judy of Kila; his sisters, Ruth Wynn and husband, Thomas, of Chehalis, Wash., and Joanna Dalton of Spokane, Wash.,; his uncle Dave and aunt Helen Morris of Whitefish; and uncle Art and aunt Jean of Bigfork; his cousins Marie Hedman of Kalispell; and Robert Morris - who also was his brother and best friend - and his wife, Patty. He also is survived by numerous other nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles. He was loved by all and will be missed.

Memorial services will be held Tuesday, December 20, 2005, at 2 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Whitefish, with Pastor Kent Morrison officiating. There will be no visitation. Full military honors will be after the service at the church.

The family suggests that any memorial contributions be sent to the VFW Post 2262, 111 S. Main St., Kalispell, MT 59901, or to the Flathead County Sheriff's Posse, 920 S. Main St., Kalispell, or to the charity of the donor's choice.

Johnson Mortuary and Crematory is caring for Sherwin's family.