Clarence L. Swope age 81, of Broadus, MT passed away on March 14, 2018 at the Powder River Manor in Broadus, MT.
Clarence was born on April 11, 1936 in Miles City, MT. He was the son of Fredric and Ellen (Green) Swope. Clarence was raised on Fire Gulch. He attended school both in Broadus and at the Swope Country School. Clarence left school at the age of 15 and went to work for Bunk Huckins. He was employed at the Huckins Ranch for approximately 5 years. In 1955, Clarence moved “over west” to Hot Springs and went to work for his parents. He started working for Bill Graham as a ranch hand in 1956 and worked there for the next 12 years.
Clarence met Anita Dubay in 1966 and they were married on August 16, 1967. At this time Clarence and Anita started running their own cattle and Clarence began building their house. During this time, he also worked for the Kalispell Livestock Yards.
In February of 1989, Clarence and his folks were in a severe car accident and he spent many weeks in the hospital. That fall, Clarence and Anita sold their cattle and a few months later Clarence moved back to Broadus. Clarence stayed with Evelene and George Fulton at their ranch for the next 5 years recuperating from his injuries and helping on the ranch when he was able.
Clarence moved to the Linville Place in 1995 and continued doing brand inspections throughout Powder River County and the surrounding area. In 2007, he was awarded the Deputy Inspector of the Year for the State of Montana. Clarence and Gladys Linville became close friends and shared their lives with each other. Clarence helped Gladys and Gladys helped Clarence with the struggles and blessings of life. Clarence was a perfectionist when it came to carpentry/woodworking and his leatherwork. He sewed many bridles and harnesses over the years. Clarence enjoyed his team of Percheron draft horses. He became pretty handy with a rope and drug many a calf to the branding fire.
He is survived by his brothers: Chuck (Ramona) Swope and family of Polson, MT; John Swope and family of Lone Pine, MT; Lee Swope and family of Astoria, OR; Ronnie (Carol) Swope and family of Polson, MT; and a brother-in-law Rex Merritt and family of Polson, MT. Clarence is also survived by his special friend Gladys Linville of Broadus, MT; ex-wife Anita Swope of Polson, MT; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He is preceded in death by his parents, his sisters: Fern Merritt, Bertha Goettlich, Kathleen Timlick, and Evelene Fulton.
A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, March 20, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Broadus. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
2:00 p.m.
Tuesday March 20, 2018
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
Broadus, Montana 59317
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
2:00 p.m.
Tuesday March 20, 2018
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
Broadus, Montana 59317
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Pat Smith says
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Julie Emmons says
How I will miss Clarence! He did many brand inspections for horses I sold. Travel on to greener pastures my old friend!
Jim & Lori French says
I came to know Clarence because he was a great roper. His brother Ronnie & I wrestled calves and handled 772 calves one spring at various branding with Clarence. I always got a kick out of Clarence when he laughed. I also liked the old pickups Clarence drove in the 70’s to all the brandings. Many great memories.
Dora Meidinger-Huckins says
Clarence added laughter and great stories during many of his visits. He loved being around children of all ages and witnessed many youngins’ growing up through their youth to adulthood along the Powder River. He was quite the cowboy and gentleman, and treated all with the upmost respect. Will be thinking of Gladys through these days as Clarence will truly be missed by many….Heaven now has one of the best!
Bill and Jacob Janssen says
So sorry to hear about Clarence. He did many of our brand inspections and always was a gentleman.
Betty and Skin Collins says
Had many a good laugh with Clarence when I worked at the Montana Bar and Cafe. I will miss seeing him and Gladys around Broadus. Prayers and hugs to Gladys and all the rest of the Swope family.
Lisa Wheeler says
I enjoyed talking with Uncle Clarence when I lived in Hot Springs. He was a good man.
Aletta & Randy Shannon says
Clarence was a kind man and will be remembered and missed. Our thoughts, prayers and hugs go out to you Gladys. You were so good for him. Our Sincere Sympathy~
Vonnie Shannon says
Sending my sympathy to you Gladys.
Joanie Vinson says
I am so sorry to hear of Clarence’s passing. He was a great friend to me and my family when he lived on the West Side. Clarence was always willing to help out with whatever you needed and we always knew he would provide lots of laughter. We missed him when he moved “over East”. My sympathies to the family and his special friend, Gladys.