Everett G. Topham

Everett G. Topham, 85, of Havre passed away on Sunday, July 21, 2013, at his residence of natural causes. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m., on Thursday, July 25, 2013, at Holland & Bonine Funeral Chapel. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, July 26, 2013, at Van Orsdel United Methodist Church. 

Interment will be at a later date in Arlington Cemetery in Arlington, Va., with full military honors. The family has requested that memorial donations be made in Everett’s name to Malta Opportunities, to the Shriners’ Childrens Hospital, or to the charity of the donor’s choice.  Holland & Bonine Funeral Home has been entrusted with services and arrangements and you can leave your memories and condolences for the family online at http://www.hollandbonine.com.

Everett was born on October 2, 1927, in Westview, Pa., to Eveart and Ella (McPherson) Topham. He was raised in Westview, an only child, graduating from Westview High School. Following graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, and proudly served his country for the next 28 years. He married Elizabeth Appel in Feb. 1949, and the couple’s union was blessed with seven children.  While serving in the Army, Everett, Betty and the children lived in Virginia, and overseas in Turkey and Germany, but his last post was near Havre at the Glasgow Air Base. Everett graduated from the College of William and Mary in 1963 with a Bachelor of Science degree in business, instilling in his children a love of learning and the importance of a good education.  He also loved to take his family traveling while overseas, so they could experience all the various countries had to offer.

Following his retirement from the Army as a colonel, Everett and Betty remained in Havre, where he became an insurance agent for State Farm Insurance, a position he held for 35 years. Everett derived a great deal of satisfaction in helping young families get on their feet with his financial planning, and he touched many lives.

Everett retired from State Farm at age 80 to travel with his beloved wife, Betty, and the couple made their way through Australia, New Zealand, Spain, Alaska, the Carribean, and the Panama Canal.

As a younger man, Everett loved to hunt, especially with his dogs, and fish. His last fishing trip was just over a week before he died, when he participated in the annual family mens’ fishing trip. He also loved to fish in the Bear Paws with his beloved grandson Dennis.

Everett was a member of Van Orsdel United Methodist Church and the Havre Masonic Lodge.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Eveart and Ella Topham and his beloved grandson Dennis New.

Everett is survived by his beloved wife, Betty, of Havre; his son Everett George (Glenda) Topham III of Hoover, Ala .; his daughters Judith (David) New of Ann Arbor, Mich., Elizabeth (Jim) Seitz of Billings, Mont., Karen Granmo of Kent, Wash., Mary Ann (Mark) Hall of Fort Peck, Mont., Sue (Dale) Carlson of Sheridan, Wyo., and Nancy (Kelle) Fenter of Orlando, Fla .; his 14 grandchildren; and his 9 great-grandchildren.