Donald “Smokey” LeRoy Stover, 81, Nashua, MT passed away May 19 at Frances Mahon Deaconess Hospital, Glasgow, MT after having been recently diagnosed with cancer.
Born June 29, 1934, in Nashua, Smokey was the son of Raymond and Muriel (Keil) Stover. He was just 18 months old when his mother died, and his father died when he was ten. He was then raised by his grandparents, Jim and Alice Keil. Smokey attended Nashua schools, graduating in 1952.
Smokey began working for his uncle, Jim Keil, at age 16, in heavy equipment, a job he continued virtually throughout his life. He worked briefly in Texas as a seismographer when he was 19. He entered the US Army in 1957, serving two years as clerk/typist in Anchorage, AK. Following his discharge, he returned to his work with Uncle Jim. He held many road construction jobs, Valley County Road Department, self-employed contractor, Fort Peck Corps of Engineers, and, most recently, Kirkland Ranch Estates.
Smokey married Vivian Murch July 6, 1957, Nashua, and they raised their four children there. Smokey (nickname derived from the comic strip, Smokey Stover)
was very active in his community: longtime town council member, a chairman of the Nashua All-School Reunion committee since its inception, Nashua Sleighers, and a member of Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church.
A talented leather worker, Smokey was a lifelong New York Yankees fan. He was also a wonderful, loving husband, father, and grandpa, especially loving to tease those grands and great-grands. He was conversational and had many friends, who will miss him greatly.
Besides his parents and grandparents, Smokey was preceded in death by his brother Jim, and his in-laws, Dewey and Beatrice Murch, as well as numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Smokey is survived by his wife of nearly 59 years, Vivian. Also surviving him are his four children: Alice (Myron) Redfield, Karyn (Tim) Ahmann, Betty Barnett (Jim Gartside), and Larry (Tanya) Stover. His grandchildren are Logan (Justine) Redfield and Cole (Emily) Redfield; Nicole (Cody) Tofte, Chad (Jennifer) Cuddigan, and Brandon Cuddigan; Renee (Shawn) Sibley, Kyle (Cassie) Shipp, and Shaylin Barnett; Dawson and Houston Stover. Ten great-grandchildren also survive him, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family.
Janice Nicol Shanks says
Such a dear friend “Smokey” was to our family……we even gave a grey horse the name “Smokey” after this special friend. Laughed because at the time Smokey was quite grey then to as a young man too. We all have many memories and memorabilia from Smokey. He’s made both Mom and Dad belts, Several guitar straps for Dad, belts for Dennis and I, both of our daughters, and even each of our grandsons. Smokey did leather work for our four generations. Our Nashua All-School Reunion meetings will not be the same………..so glad we decided to let you know, that you and Vivian had been given the honor as our Grand Marshall for the 2016 Nashua All-School Reunion before you became ill. So sorry you had to leave us so soon.
Marilynn And Gary Johnson says
So sorry for your loss. My thoughts n prayers r with u all. He was such a nice man.
Jamie Tweten says
So sorry to hear of smokey’s passing. I think of him and Vivian often from when I worked at bergies. Smokey was always so kind . Thoughts and prayers to Vivian and the family.
Jayme N Emit Valnes says
What an amazing kind hearted man. Sure going to miss him. Love and prayers for his family and friends.
Paula Jakanoski Hicks says
I remember meeting you both years ago at Computel….so enjoyed visiting and getting to know you over the years…such a sweet nice gentleman….it was a pleasure knowing Smokey…he will be missed…RIP Smokey..
Melinda Tangen says
My deepest sympathies to you all.
Wanda and Dave Berndtson says
What a shock to learn of Donnie’s illness followed by such a short time; certainly it did not give you time to get your heads around the idea of losing him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Vivian, Alice, Karyn, Betty , Larry and your families. Donnie will be missed. Over the last years, I have certainly enjoyed getting a hug and visiting with him when home each summer. I will miss running into him, usually at Shopko, smiles! Know you are in our hearts as you struggle to make sense of this great loss.
Love, Dave and Wanda
Carma Johnson says
Have fond memories of Don from my youth. When we would stop in Nashua to visit Grandpa and Grandma Keil, Don would always take that opportunity to tease me. Thought he was a “cool” cousin! My love, prayers, and sympathy are with all of his family. A guy as nice as him will be missed by everyone whose life he touched.
Corey Gilman says
Vivian , I am really sorry to see that Smokey passed away. I thought he was a great person and always friendly to me when I would see you guys at Bergies. Take Care, Corey Gilman
Jeanne Buckley says
Vivian, I am so sorry I can’t come today to Smokey’s service as I would have loved to sing for him one more time. I’ll be thinking of you today and the days that follow. Hugs! Jeanne and Fred