Herbert 'Herb' Raymond Dedman, 83

Herbert "Herb" Raymond Dedman, 83, died on Monday, June 12, 2006, at his home in Woods Bay, Bigfork, surrounded by his family.

He was born on March 19, 1923, in Havre, the son of Earl and Artie (Maze) Dedman.

Herb lived in Havre, until 1943, when he moved to Shelby. He married Viola L. Childers May 13, 1940, in Chester. While living in Havre he drove for the state of Montana hauling gasoline in Shelby. He moved to Billings, where he hauled jet fuel for the military.

He went into the Army until the end of World War II. He then went to work for Greyhound Bus driving for 15 years. After retiring he moved to Bigfork, where he owned and operated Denny's Marina for eight years. He went back to driving for a few years, and then retired again.

Herb belonged to the Eagle's Lodge in Havre and had just received his 40-year pin several weeks prior to his death. He loved working with wood and doing odd jobs.

He loved dancing and traveling, taking a cruise to Alaska to celebrate his 50th wedding anniversary and another cruise to the Caribbean to celebrate his 65th wedding anniversary.

Herb was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Hazel Henderson; a brother, Floyd W. Dedman; and a grandson, Donald D. Dedman.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Viola "Vi" Dedman; his four children; sons, Roy H. Dedman of Buena Vista, Colo., and Lyle R. Dedman of El Segundo, Calif.; daughters, Maxine L. McGowan of Elk Grove, Calif., and Hazel A. Conway of Woods Bay; seven grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

Memorial services for Herb Dedman will be held 2 p.m. on Monday, June 19, in the Johnson Mortuary Chapel with Pastor Ron Pierce officiating. Urn burial will take place at a later date at Lakeview Cemetery. There will be no visitation.

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