Daily Inter Lake

Homer Lyle Steele, 82, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, passed away at his home on July 11, 2010, surrounded with the love of his family. He was born April 1, 1928, in Wolf Point, the youngest son of Ruth and Archie Steele. He married his high school sweetheart, Joyce Elaine Wilkinson, on April 23, 1949. They were deeply in love for 63 years. Homer and Joyce lived in the house that Homer built near Columbia Falls. Homer was a football star at Wolf Point High School where he was awarded a full scholarship. He helped build Hungry Horse Dam, where he worked for seven years, then worked at Columbia Falls Aluminum Co., for 36 and a half years, where he retired. Homer s greatest love was his family and the fun spent on family trips, boating, camping and hunting. He was an elder in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His kindness and gentleness made him special in every way. He had such a big heart and would help anyone in need. Homer was preceded in death by sister, Helen Steele; mother, Ruth Steele; father, Archie Steele; and brothers, Harold and Robert Steele. He is survived by his children, Kim W. Steele, Cheryl D. Sands and husband, Mike Sands; Shane L. Steele and wife, Beth Steele; and Shawn D. Steele. He has 10 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren, Angela Cote and husband, Paul; Tina Sands and son, Brandon; Michael Sands and wife, Dina, and children, Marissa, Megan and Shawn; Shane Steele and wife, Sonja, and children, Shelby and Zach; Kasey Steele; Andy Steele and wife, Jennifer, and children, Drew and Jax; Jeremy Steele and children, Kirsten and Andon; Jamie Griffith and husband, Ryan, and children, Colton and Sierra; Kandis Steele and son, Joey; and Kelsey Steele. We will miss you every day. May the Lord hold you in His arms for all eternity. Funeral services for Homer will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, July 16, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Columbia Falls. Visitation will be at 1 p.m. in the Relief Society Room. Burial will follow at the Woodland Cemetery. A reception will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- day Saints following the service. Columbia Mortuary is caring for Homer s family.

June 25, 2010 6:06 a.m.

Howard Howie J. Bear, 75

Retired United States Air Force Colonel Howard Howie J. Bear, 75, of Montgomery, Ala., passed away Tuesday morning, June 22, 2010, after a long illness. Col. Bear was born Dec. 4, 1934, in Kalispell, to Marion and Marie Bear. He was raised in Kalispell. Upon graduation from the Montana School of Mines, he was a high school math teacher, a proud member of the Masonic Lodge No. 42 A.F. and A.M., and a member of the Montana Air National Guard. His dedication to his country led him to a career in the United States Air Force where he provided honorable and distinguished service as a tactical fighter pilot. Col. Bear enjoyed a long and celebrated career in the military as a wing commander and with several command assignments, and he earned numerous decorations and medals, such as the Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, and other medals earned for distinguished service in Vietnam. After retiring from the U.S. Air Force and locating to Montgomery, Col. Bear was instrumental in the growth and development of Max Federal Credit Union, where he provided service as a board member for many years. We celebrate the life of Col. Bear, a man who loved his country and his family, Howie to his friends and neighbors, and beloved Poppie to his three grandchildren. Col. Bear was preceded in death by his parents, Marion L. and Marie K. Bear. He is survived by his wife, Rae, of Montgomery; his son, Mark, and Robyn Bridges, of Auburn, Ala.; his three grandchildren, Carlyn, Samantha and Sam Bridges Jr., all of Auburn; and sisters, Marilyn Servoss of Kalispell, Meredith Mott of Destin, Fla., and Glenna Small of Kalispell. He was also loved and admired by a host of nieces and nephews. Graveside services for Mr. Bear will be held at 9:30 a.m., Monday, June 28, at C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery in Kalispell. In honor of Col. Bear s deep love and compassion for animals, the family requests that donations be made to a local humane society. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Howie family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and sign Howie s guest book.

June 29, 2008 1 a.m.