ROBERT SIMONS obituary

TURNER - Robert M. Simon, 87, died Friday, June 25, 2004, at his residence in Chinook due to natural causes.

A memorial graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday in the Turner Cemetery.

Robert was born in Dodson on March 5, 1917, and grew up on the farm that was

homesteaded by his parents, Albert and Julie (Ellefson) Simons. Bob graduated from Turner High School in 1933, then attended Northern Montana College. He taught school for a year before returning to farming. In 1941, he went to Glendale, Calif., to take an airplane technician course. While there, he enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corp and spent four years in the South Pacific during World War II.

After returning home, Bob met and married Clara Schleusner on Jan. 5, 1947, in Chinook. Bob and Clara raised their family of four boys on the family farm/ranch near Turner and remained there for 37 years. Bob served as a director for the Equity Co-op for many years and on the state Board of Livestock from 1970 to 1988. Upon retiring, Bob and Clara moved to Joliet, where Bob served one term as mayor, was an active member of the Community Center, and for many years served as a crossing guard for the school.

Bob was a dedicated husband and father. His understanding of the balance between nature and technology enabled him to expand the family farm and ranch. He was actively involved with the community and was a lifelong member of the Turner American Lutheran Church. In 2002, Bob moved to Chinook to be nearer to his family.

Survivors include his sons, Calvin (Caroline Anderson) Simons of Havre, Les (Janet) Simons of Turner, Craig (Betty) Simons of Dunloring, Va.; four grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Bob was preceded in death by his son, Perry Simons in April 1974; daughter-in-law, Karen Simons in August 1998; wife, Clara Simons on June 9, 2003; brothers, Lance, Burton, Edgar, Drengman and Clarence Simons; and sister, Eshter Toepke.

Memorials may be made to the Turner American Lutheran Church.

Arrangements are by Edwards Funeral Home of Chinook.