Edmond George Scanlan, also known as “Rocky” to some, and “MR. Wonderful” to others, passed away in his home on Friday, April 12, 2013, he was 89. He was born January 12, 1924, in Rockypoint, Wyoming, to James and Ruth (Martin) Scanlan. He quickly joined the Navy in 1940 and served as a cook on the U.S.S. St. Louis, (The Lucky Lou). He survived over 16 major battles in World War II and Korea. Among those include the Bombing of Pearl Harbor and the Marianas Turkey Shoot. During his enlistment he was also King of the Pipe Champ, Pacific Fleet Heavyweight Boxing and Wrestling Champ. On leave in 1944 he married his first wife, Ruth Hogan. Towards the end of his enlistment he served and lived in Yokosuka, Japan setting up warehouses for the Korean War Effort. He hired local Japanese to help and was loved so much that they nick named him #1 Skivvy Boy. Ed loved Japan and would of stayed if the circumstances were right. In 1953 Ed left the Navy and was honorably discharged. He would soon divorce Ruth and marry #2 out of Minnesota, which was short and sweet. He would then marry #3, Eva Dowdy and have daughter Terry Scanlan. After Eva, in 1958 Ed would marry #4, Harriet Starr while working as a bartender in Miles City at the Office Bar. While together they had 5 kids, Chuck Scanlan, Noreen Joe Scanlan, John Starr, Dee Starr and Terry Scanlan.
Between 1958 and 1975 Ed moved from Miles City to Virginia City to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho to Shawmut, MT. There, in Shawmut, he began working for the Milwaukee Railroad again. Then in 1968 he moved the family to Two Dot, MT. In 1975 Harriet and Ed divorced. In 1978 Ed flew to the Philippines to pick up wife #5 Aurora Calma. While there he was presented a medal from the Philippine Government for his efforts during Pearl Harbor. They would have two children together, John and Charlene Scanlan. They would then move to Miles City in 1984 and eventually end up in Bozeman and Gallatin Gateway in 1985 to present.
Ed worked as a hard rock miner, and worked for the Milwaukee as a conductor and brakeman till his retirement.
Edmond loved mining, fishing, and his family and friends. There was no end to his love as a father, tough love or not, and will be greatly missed. He will always be a HERO and mentor to all of us. Love you POPS!!
Edmond is survived by three daughters, Terry Hulford, Noreen (Joe) Popp, and Dee Starnes; three sons, Charles Scanlan, John Starnes and John P. Scanlan ; 26 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James F. and Ruth Scanlan; sister, Rita May Scanlan; and daughter, Charlene Ruth Scanlan.
Services will be held at Dokken-Nelson Sunset Chapel on Friday, April 19, at 6:00 P.M. Interment with military honors will take place at 2:00 P.M. on Saturday, April 20, in Miles City at the Calvary Cemetery.
Arrangements are in the care of Dokken-Nelson Funeral Service. www.dokkennelson.com
Condolences may be sent by visiting our website at www.stevensonandsons.com
Service Schedule
Graveside Service with Full Military Honors
2:00 p.m.
Saturday April 20, 2013
Calvary Cemetery
Miles City, MT
Service Schedule
Graveside Service with Full Military Honors
2:00 p.m.
Saturday April 20, 2013
Calvary Cemetery
Miles City, MT
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Harvey, Vanna & Leonard Byrd says
Terry, I’m so sorry to hear about your Dad. May God comfort you in your loss.
Vanna Lancaster Byrd
Broadus, MT
Kay Carlson says
Terry,
Had been thinking about you. So sorry to hear about your dad. Will be keeping you in my prayers.
Lewis & Marla says
Terry so sorry about your dad our thoughts and prayers are with you
J Johnson says
My condolences for your loss of Edmond Scanlan – In the Bible at 2 Cor. 1:3 it says: ”Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of tender mercies and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation”. If we draw close to God in prayer, he promises to comfort and sustain us. It was not a part of Almighty God purpose for mankind to suffer and die. Many are comforted by the hope in the resurrection (John 5:28, 29) which tell us that Almighty God can and will cause us to live again. We can look forward to seeing our dead loved ones again, including Mr. Scanlan. I hope theses scriptural thoughts bring you comfort and hope.