Alvin
James Howery, 84, of Shelby, a retired Montana Power Company gas and field
operator and decorated WWII veteran, died of natural causes on Friday, February
27, 2009, at the Marias Care Center in Shelby. Cremation has taken place and
burial of ashes will take place in the future. Whitted Funeral Chapel is in
charge of arrangements.
Alvin is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Audrey (Alcorn) Howery of Shelby; son, Wally (Marlene) Howery of Shelby; daughters, Betty Jean (Garth) McNair of Butte and April (Leonard) Gordon of Cheyenne; brother, Earl Howery of Henderson, NV; son-in-law, Larry French of Miles City; seven grandchildren, JaSainte (Mark) Dale, Jenny (Reece) Brown, and Scott (Mandy) McNair all of Fairfield, Josh Howery of Shelby, Dan (Dixi) Howery of Van Vleck, TX, Crystal (Mike) Verellen of Olympia, WA and Heather (Pat) Roos of Miles City; as well as 13 great-grandchildren and many beloved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Hazel Kinyon; and daughter, Mary Ellen French.
Alvin was born in Whitlash on September 20, 1924 to Ervin and Ellen (Stratton) Howery and grew up in the Devon area. He served in the Army from 1944-46 in the 45th Infantry Regiment which liberated the Dachau concentration camp. He received the Purple Heart and Bronze Star for his service. He and Audrey Alcorn were married on March 31, 1949 in Cut Bank. Alvin delivered fuel for Farmers Union Coop and worked for Montana Dakota Utility before beginning his 33 year career with Montana Power. In 1986 he retired and they moved from Whitlash to Libby, returning to Shelby in 1995. Alvin was a member of the American Legion Post in Galata. He was well known for his homemade knives and his skill at fixing anything. He loved the outdoors, hunting, fishing, and camping, but most of all he loved his wife, family and friends.