Fred "Montana" Bevolden

Fred (better known by many as "Montana") Bevolden went home to the arms of his Savior on 28 November 2015, following a hard-fought battle with cancer. He spent his final days with his wife, son, and daughter by his side.

He was born in Havre, Montana to Chester and Mildred (Straight) Bevolden.

His favorite childhood memories were those that involved riding his beloved horse Buttercup around the Montana countryside with his best friend Dale. The outdoors continued to draw him for the rest of this life.

Growing up, he dreamed of being a soldier like his dad. He joined the military and served 20 years with the US Army Corps of Engineers, retiring at West Point, New York. He was a born leader and was proud to be able to serve his country.

Following his Military retirement, he worked as a delivery driver for Home Depot and Lowe's. He truly enjoyed helping his customers and they appreciated the care he took and the way he treated them.

Service to others was his great joy. He never hesitated to help family, friends, neighbors and even strangers in need. He volunteered with CANTER (a local therapeutic riding center for individuals with disabilities) for several years, working tirelessly to help build some of the facilities at their current location.

Montana's passion was his family, and he was never happier than when creating things for them: whether a unique dinner, a patio to enjoy the beautiful Arizona evenings, home improvements or beautiful gifts crafted in wood.

He delighted in serving his Lord and gave tithe and time selflessly to the church over the years.

He was always joking. No matter the situation, he could always find a way to get the people around him to laugh. Even during his illness he tried to find ways to make family, friends, and medical staff laugh and relax.

Montana was preceded in death by his father, mother, and father-in-law, Johnny Lankford. He leaves behind his brother Roger (Dorothy) Bevolden; April, his wife of 34 years; their two children, Jonathon Bevolden and Victoria (Yadir) Payan; daughters from his first marriage, Jody Eichner and Amy Fryberger; grandchildren Mikaela Payan, Sally, Conrad and Clara Eichner and Ella and Jimmy Fryberger; step-mother-in-law, Karrol Lankford; mother-in-law, Jan Lankford; brother-in-law, Sean (Robin) Lankford; nieces Bethany and Ilee Bevolden, Alexus, Cynthia, and Arianna Rohr; and nephews Nicolas Lankford and Corey Rohr.

Montana will always be loved and missed!

A Memorial and Military Service will be held at the Southern Arizona Veteran's Memorial Cemetery on Buffalo Solider Trail, Sierra Vista at 11:00, Tuesday, January 19, 2016. In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions be made to CANTER (Cochise Area Network of Therapeutic Equestrian Resources), PO Box 1316, Sierra Vista, AZ 85636. Arrangements are by Hatfield Funeral Home, Sierra Vista.

A00013B2015NV28