Harold Lee Sturdevant, 85

On May 31, 2016, Harold Lee Sturdevant, 85, “was able to answer the call to come home” at Mountain View Manor in Eureka. He was born Sept. 24, 1930, in Roanoke, Texas, to Fred and Maudie Hunter Sturdevant.

Harold grew up on a farm where they used mules as well as tractors. His father was killed when he was 15, and he kept the farm going as well as finishing high school. His agricultural degree was from Sam Houston University. He came to Montana at age 20 to teach World War II veterans on a farm training program in Three Forks.

Harold and Rowena Scott met at college and were married Oct. 28, 1951. They had three sons. He was a sergeant in the Army Reserves.

Harold always had lots of energy and became involved in many activities. In addition to teaching, he learned auctioneering and flying. He also owned and operated a ski hill resort in Southwestern Montana. He served as a city councilman in Missoula. He was president of the Underwriters Association of Western Montana as well as vice president of the National Underwriters Association. At one time, he was also moderator of the First Baptist Church in Missoula.

Harold had a real talent for sales. He expanded his work into 17 Western states. In order to cover this territory, he bought a plane and learned to fly, securing an instrument rating. Flying his plane and riding his horse were two of his greatest pleasures and skills. Young people of the West Kootenai were always enlisted to assist on trail drives, a special event for all those involved.

Survivors include his wife, Rowena Sturdevant, of Rexford; sons, Lee Sturdevant (Becky) of Harlowtown, Fred Sturdevant (Nancy Haugan) of Rexford, and Dean Sturdevant (Stacy) of Clayton, Washington; five grandchildren, Harold L. III “Hal,” Sarah, Levi, Zachary and, Isaac; and three great-grandchildren.

Visitation was held June 3 at the West Kootenai Community Church in Rexford. Services will be at 11 a.m., today, June 4, at the church.

Arrangements are by Schnackenberg & Nelson Funeral Home in Eureka. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.schnackenbergfh.com.