Obituary - John Lawrence Gallagher

John Lawrence Gallagher, 85 of Havre, Montana passed away Dec. 1, 2015.

He was born July 16, 1930, in Charlo, Montana. He graduated from Charlo High School in 1948 and enlisted in the U.S. Army 1951. He served in Korea for two years and was honorably discharged in 1953 as a private first class. He then moved to Billings, Montana, where he met the love of his life, Carolynne Richardson. They married April 4, 1960, and moved to Havre, Montana, where they settled southeast of Havre and raised their 11 children.

He was a life member of the American Legion and the Disabled American Veterans. He was a member of the VFW and served on the Montana State Veterans Affairs board. He was a past commander of the DAV and the American Legion and advocated on behalf of countless veterans and veterans' issues both locally and statewide.

John served on many community boards and helped initiate many community programs, such as the Wounded Warrior Program, The White Cross Program, The Purple Heart Program, DAV transportation van, HRDC and the Neighborhood Youth Program. In 1971 he was the driving force behind starting the local union.

He was instrumental in starting the Havre Boxing Club and served as head boxing coach.

His greatest loves in life were his wife, Carol, all of his children, livestock, gardening and wine making.

He is survived by his wife, Carol, of the family home, his children Robert of Las Vegas, Nevada, Terry of Rushville, Nebraska, Julie Skramstad of Havre, Montana, Angela (David) O'Neil of Malta, Montana, Jeanne Davis of Havre, Montana, Cathleen (Steve) Fisher of Great Falls, Montana, James (Alana) Gallagher of San Diego, California, Karen (Brett) McCrummen of Billings, Montana, Daniel (Michelle) of Harker Lake, Texas, Jacqueline Gallagher of Billings, Montana, and Michael (Amanda) of Shepherd, Montana; 34 grandchildren; 36 great-grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild.

He is also survived by siblings Edward, Dan, Patricia "Tish," Frances "Fran," Ethel and Rita.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Francis "Frank" and Mabel Gallagher; brothers, Seumas "Jim" and George; sisters Mabel "Doll" Felton, Genevieve "Genie" Low, Colleen Paul and Betty Ann Gallagher; two granddaughters; and one great-grandson.

Funeral services will be held Friday, Dec. 11, 2015, at 1 p.m. at St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church at 610 4th St. in Havre, Montana, with Father Daniel Wathen officiating.

Interment will follow at the Highland Cemetery at 400 9th St. W.

A reception will follow the graveside service at St. Jude Parish Center at 440 7th Ave.

Holland & Bonine Funeral Home has been entrusted with services and arrangements.

Please leave a message of condolence for the family at http://www.hollandbonine.com.