William (Bill) Franklin Webb passed away peacefully at home on January 24,2020. He was born to Benjamin Lower and Dolly (Harvey)Webb on August 31, 1930 in Townsend, MT. He attended elementary school at the Radersburg School until the eighth grade, and then graduated Broadwater County High School in 1949. During his senior year, he was the high school Montana State Golden Gloves champion in his weight class. Apparently he had quite the left hook. Bill always wanted to work alongside his grandfather, father and brother on the family ranch. It was during this time, at a community dance, where he met the woman he would marry, Patricia Ann Shuman. They were married November 20, 1953. Bill was drafted into the Army in 1955. He served in the Army for 2 years and then returned to the family ranch in the Crow Creek Valley. During their marriage they had 5 children; Karen (Craig), Bob, Brad (Debbie), Tom, and Kelly (Lenda).
He was able to purchase his grandfather’s ranch and continued to grow and expand on his own with his wife and children working alongside of him. There wasn’t anything on the ranch that he couldn’t do or wasn’t willing to do. He is the last of his generation that worked the land before any modern machinery. When he was young, he learned to rake and mow hay with horses, sat many hours in open air tractors, and at the age of 87 was sitting in the nice air-conditioned cab of his swather. After he had his shop built, he was able to do more welding and fabricating which he really enjoyed. He always said,” Build it right the first time so it will last.” This couldn’t be more true in the building of his own home. He took great care to do things well even if it took a little longer. He saw many things change, many things advance but still held to the simple things in life. He taught his children to live by the Golden Rule, and this was best taught by example. He was man of his word, and a man whose integrity is unmatched. He didn’t have to be the loudest voice in the room, but yet his opinions were sought out.
His greatest joys in life was his wife and children, raising cattle, working the land, and spending time with his friends and family. He loved picnics during haying season, family outings in the hills, and taking the drive to check cows with either his kids, grandkids or a neighbor. One of his favorite times of the year was when haying season ended, they would celebrate his and his grandfather’s birthday by making homemade ice-cream. Even to his last day, he never passed up a bowl of dirty ice-cream (chocolate was his favorite).
He was very active in his community and never hesitated to help out wherever he could. He was served on the school board in many capacities such as a board member, vice president and president. He was with the Rodeo Board and served as president, as well as many years helping with the livestock and other aspects of putting on the rodeos each year. He joined the rural volunteer fire department in its first year and was with them until he retired after 40+ years of service. He also was a member of the search and rescue for 20 years or so. He served faithfully in many church callings that included Sunday school teacher as well as in the bishopric. He was also on the Townsend city bowling league on the “Haymakers Team”. Where harassing and practical jokes were a mainstay on the weekly bowling nights. From the stories, we’re told we are not sure if they kept better scores of the pins they dropped or jokes they played on each other.
He is preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Earl and Benjamin Jr. (Benny) and his sister Hester (Sincavage). He is survived by his 5 children, 19 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews and extended family.
Viewing will be at 10:00 a.m. with a funeral service to begin at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 1st at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 916 Broadway in Townsend. Graveside services will follow at the Radersburg Cemetery. A reception will follow the burial in the fellowship hall of the church.
Service Schedule
Viewing
10 : 00 am
Saturday February 1, 2020
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter - day Saints
916 Broadway
Townsend , Montana
Funeral Service
11:00 am
Saturday February 1, 2020
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
916 Broadway
Townsend , MT
Funeral Reception
Following the burial
Saturday February 1, 2020
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
916 Broadway
Townsend , MT
Service Schedule
Viewing
10 : 00 am
Saturday February 1, 2020
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter - day Saints
916 Broadway
Townsend , Montana
Funeral Service
11:00 am
Saturday February 1, 2020
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
916 Broadway
Townsend , MT
Funeral Reception
Following the burial
Saturday February 1, 2020
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
916 Broadway
Townsend , MT
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