Alan Ray Shennum died at the age of 69 on April 26, 2016, at the Eastern Montana Veteran’s Home in Glendive, where he had been a resident for the past few years.
Alan was born November 1, 1946 at Helena, Montana, the son of Merlin and Betty Shennum. Alan graduated from Circle High School in 1965 and attended Montana State University for one year majoring in Mechanical Engineering prior to enlisting in the Army. While stationed in Fort Wolters, Texas, he received helicopter training and after Air Traffic Control Courses in Biloxi, Mississippi, graduated from Warrant Officer’s School, and received his Silver Wings at Savannah, Georgia. He was deployed to Vietnam and was a pilot for Assault Company where he was wounded in action. He received a Purple Heart and thirty-three Oak Leaf Clusters to his Air Medal. After finishing his duty in Vietnam, he received commercial and instructor’s ratings in fixed wing, single and multi-engine aircraft at Fort Wolters, Texas. After returning to the States, he attended aircraft mechanics school at Helena Vo-Tech.
After returning from Vietnam, Alan married Connie Mason in Helena and one son, Walt, was born. They began farming in Brockway, where Alan’s roots ran deep. Alan and Connie later divorced.
Alan could be described as smart, well read, and mechanically gifted. He loved horses, enjoyed music, and had a good heart. If you were to ask Alan for the highlights of his childhood, they would be the many adventures and good times spent with his cousins, the Moline kids. Before Alan could see over the steering wheel, but with the help of the Sears & Roebuck catalog, he learned to drive grain truck, and so began his working on the farm! He deserves a lot of credit for all the hard work he did helping farm the family farm which included repairing and maintaining machinery, designing corner posts for fence posts and harvesting crops!
Alan had a love for horses and was attached to his horse Blacky and especially proud of his Arabian horse, Blaze. He and his Uncle Herb had a special bond because of their shared fondness for horses.
Life changed for Alan after he returned from the Vietnam War, and he experienced an altered outlook on life. His experiences in Vietnam left lasting mental scars that he had to contend with the remainder of his life.
Alan is survived by his son Walt, sisters Judy (Jack) Rosenbeck-Dodd, Jane (Chuck) Spain, his aunt Joyce Hall, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and a niece.
Graveside services with full military honors will be held at the Brockway Cemetery on May 11, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. A time of fellowship with coffee and cookies will immediately follow the service at the Circle Country Market Banquet Room. Memorials may be made to the Eastern Montana Veterans Home in Glendive, MT with gratitude for the excellent care provided for Alan by Kari Robinson, the charge nurses and staff. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
So now we say “Goodbye, Alan. Go in peace; you are free.”
Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free. If my parting has left a void, then fill it with remembered joy. Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free.
Service Schedule
Graveside Service with Full Military Honors
1:00 p.m.
Wednesday May 11, 2016
Brockway Cemetery
Brockway, Montana 59214
Service Schedule
Graveside Service with Full Military Honors
1:00 p.m.
Wednesday May 11, 2016
Brockway Cemetery
Brockway, Montana 59214
Share
Rob A Teeters says
Thank You for your service to this country, R.I.P. Soldier!
Susan Shennum Crooks says
Thank you for your service, as a young man, in an awful war. Trust you KNOW true peace and
rest for your soul. God Bless your family and those who served you at the VA.
Dennis and Karen Wolff says
Our thoughts and prayers to Alan’s family. We cherish the memories that we shared with him.
Karen and Dennis Wolff
Connie Hains Urick says
Thanks for your service…and sacrifices made for our country. A true hero.
Joan Leinwand says
Thank you so much for service to our country during this horrible time. I saw your face and saw my friends who were killed there. Condolences to the family. He must have endured so much. Rest in Peace Alan.
Edie (Langemo) Carter says
I took care of Alan when he was 18 months old & his mom was in the hospital in Miles city awaiting the arrival of his sister. Thank u for ur service in a war with no ending. Rest in peace Alan u will be missed.
Debbie (Bond) Wagner says
Our prayers to Alan’s family. We have many memories of Alan in Brockway, especially coming into the grocery store and post office. Thanks for being a true hero with your service to our country. Debbie Bond Wagner and the Bond family
Don Young says
Goodbye friend, I will always remember you and the times we had.
Connie Phalen says
Judy and Jane,
I’m so sorry to hear of Alan’s passing. I’d so enjoy seeing you, but not sure I’ll be able to come. Please know you’re in my prayers. Alan paid a high price for our country and will always have my respect and gratefulness!
Floyd & Diana Yarger says
Judy, Jane & Family. So sorry we could not make Alan’s services yesterday. Have known Alan sine before ever…well, He always made us laugh, tormented us (like most brothers), enjoyed his visits after he got out of the service. What a memory Alan had. Also he was very concerned & helpful when Mom & Dad were in Glendive. We are proud of Alan, the service he did for our country was quite amazing. Alan was a real fighter & now may he rest in peace. Love to you both, Diana
Kelley Fillenworth says
My thoughts and prayers go out to Alans Family. Alan was always a great friend. Did a little hunting together while in highschool and enjoyed a trip together to the State Basketball Tournament in Shelby 1965. Had some great times together and also shared the Vietnam exprience. I was a ground pounder and always will remember the sound of Helicopters as help is on the way.