Alton Henry Smith, age 70, passed away peacefully at his home in Glasgow on July 23, 2024. He was born on October 26, 1953, in Plentywood, Montana, to Stanley and Grace Smith joining his sister, Linda. He was a 1972 Plentywood High School graduate. Following high school, Alton married his high school sweetheart Sue Saxton of Antelope, Montana.
Alton worked a short time for the Sheridan County Road Crew prior to moving with Sue and daughter Melissa to attend gunsmithing school in Denver. Upon returning to Plentywood, he started a sporting goods store, bartended and Jessica joined sister Melissa. Alton co-hosted three Prairie Boogie outdoor concerts, was a twice elected Plentywood City Councilman, was the first US citizen hired by Prairie Pipeline Contractors of Saskatchewan. He then started his own Smith Road Boring Construction Company and later started Mon-Dak Marine, which relocated to Glasgow, Montana. He also worked as a real estate salesperson with his wife being his broker. In 2010, he went to work for five years for S K & S Oilfield Service in Williston, North Dakota running crews and later running the office.
Those who met Alton will not forget his infectious laugh, his sparkling blue eyes nor the respect he had for those that put in a hard and honest day’s work. He had a fondness for every dog that he met and was often called a ‘Dog Magnet’! Calling him an avid hunter and fisherman is most certainly an understatement. He treasured time spent with his hunting and fishing buddies as well as golfing with locals and his newfound Arizona friends who they met when they became snowbirds.
He is survived by his wife, Sue Smith; two daughters, Melissa (Chris) Hiltunen of Helena, Montana and Jessica (Mike) Pehlke of Glasgow; four grandchildren: Alexandra and Victoria Pehlke and Craig and Kaitlyn Hiltunen; as well as his sister Linda (Gary) Bartnes of Plentywood, Montana. He was preceded in death by both parents.
A memorial mass will be held on11:00 a.m., Thursday, August 1, 2024 at St. Raphael’s Catholic Church in Glasgow, Montana. Burial will take place in Highland Cemetery. A reception will be held back at the St. Raphael’s Parish Hall following the burial. Condolences may be left for the family at bellmortuarymontana.com.
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
11:00 to 12:00 p.m.
Thursday August 1, 2024
St. Raphael's Catholic Church
412 3rd Avenue North
Glasgow, Montana 59230
Burial
12:00 p.m.
Thursday August 1, 2024
Highland Cemetery
Highland Drive
Glasgow, Montana 59230
Funeral Reception
12:30 p.m.
Thursday August 1, 2024
St. Raphael's Parish Center
Glasgow, Montana 59230
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
11:00 to 12:00 p.m.
Thursday August 1, 2024
St. Raphael's Catholic Church
412 3rd Avenue North
Glasgow, Montana 59230
Burial
12:00 p.m.
Thursday August 1, 2024
Highland Cemetery
Highland Drive
Glasgow, Montana 59230
Funeral Reception
12:30 p.m.
Thursday August 1, 2024
St. Raphael's Parish Center
Glasgow, Montana 59230
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Joe Herbold says
One of the best. Didn’t get to spend much time with him these last few years, but on my short list of friends. Sympathies and prayers for Sue and the family.
Barb Math says
So sorry to read this Sue. Thinking of you and your family.
Myron & Mary Beth Kibler says
Oh Sue and girls! This makes me so sad, he was the best! May God wrap his arms around you all and hold you close. I want to reach out to you and attend services as you and yours are very special to us. 406-557-2503 or Kibler@midrivers.com. I’ll keep watching for updates.
Pat Busker says
The best! ❤️ Sure will mess him and all the good times.
Greg Johnson says
Great guy. My condolences to Sue, Linda, and the family. Some of the best days of my life were out hunting with Alton and Bruce King.
Becki Collinsworth says
My prayers are with you Sue and your family! Alton was a special guy and I enjoyed getting to know him! Take each day as it comes with a special memory that you shared. God bless you.🙏🙏
Rich Olson says
My condolences to Sue and the family. Alton was one of the good ones. I have a lot of great memories working for him during his road boring days. I learned a lot from him. A special person. I’m grateful that our lives crossed paths. Rest in peace my friend.
Donna Chapman says
We are so sorry, Sue. Sending prayers and love to you and your family.
Dave, Donna and Bill
Rudy Solis says
I remember Alton when I worked for Prairie ! Good man and a good road bore man !!
Dale and Jane Dietel says
Sue and family. Our hearts are broken about Alton’s passing. The memories will always be treasured . Take care and God bless you all.
Steve Meagher says
Alton was a good fellow I for sure enjoyed him in the days I worked around him, rest in peace my friend
Roberta Roth says
May Alton rest in peace. God bless your family.
Al & Bette Hynd says
Many condolences to Sue and family. Although we only knew him briefly from the Arizona resort, we will remember him with fondness.
Lois and Radar says
Sue, our sincere sympathies to you and your family. We will cherish all the good times we had at “Group Therapy”. Memories that will not be forgotten. Rest in Peace Alton, you will be missed. ❤️
Tom and Sue Riemann says
Sue and I consider ourselves so lucky to have had the opportunity to get to know Alton and to have had his friendship. We wish you and your family the best as you move forward in his absence.
Cassie Syme says
So sorry to hear of Alton’s passing. Hugs to you, Sue. You & the girls are in my prayers.
David and Mary Hydukovich says
Mary and I enjoyed the time we had to spend with you and Alton.
We will always remember his contagious laugh and his great cooking.
May he rest in peace and you and your family be blessed.
Our condolences to you and your family.
Dan and Alice Smith says
Very sorry to hear about Toon.
We have many fond memories fishing, hunting and watching the girls grow up.
Kay & Craig Buckalew says
Alton has been a part of our lives since high school. We always enjoyed spending time with Sue and Alton. He was witty and had a unique laugh that just made you laugh along with him!