Gordon Eugene Sweet “Butch”, father, husband, brother, and friend surrendered himself to Heaven on January 14, 2023, at Holy Rosary Hospital. He was encircled by his family who provided him a peaceful passing.
Butch was born in Fairfield, MT on May 26, 1937 to Gabe (Scout) and Jo Sweet. He joined sisters Bev and Anne. The family moved to Terry, where Butch attended high school and played football. He did not stay to graduate, but instead joined the military.
Though hating water, he enlisted into the Navy to serve on the seas during the post Korean War as a welder. His most vivid memory during his service was during a treacherous storm, which had split the ships deck, compromising this maritime vessel. With most of the crew safely in the hull of the ship, Butch and a small group of men were sent to the deck, in the dark, waves splashing over the deck. They tied Butch to the frame while he welded. He did what was needed and welded the needed frame and secured the ship. After being discharged, he went to work in the oil fields.
Butch loved to dance. He often frequented dance halls, enjoying his friend, Russel Everson’s music and band. It is there that he would occasionally dance with Russell’s wife, Norma. The three remained good friends until Russell’s tragic death. Eventually they dated and fell in love, then married and in 1964 Butch became “Dad” to Larry and Gary.
Ever a skilled cattleman, Butch took a job on the French Ranch, where his boys recall fond memories were made on the vast playground.
Being social, relationship-oriented he found his calling in feed sales at Peavey, where he traveled to many ranches and built many lasting relationships until his death. He and Norma opened a feed store of their own and were eventually able to achieve every cattleman’s dream of owning their own ranch. A place that he fondly called the “grave lies”. It is there his cattle operation continued to grow. While also running his heifer operation and farming the state school. This lasted for 40 years.
“The Ranch on the Hill” made many memories for family and friends while hunting or working cows.
Butch loved to play cards, especially cribbage and poker. He dealt cards for years at both the Bison and the Olive. This is where he met a young cowboy, Greg Haydal, who would grow into a co-worker and close friend, and eventually partnering with him after Norma’s death in 1998. Together they continued to grow the herd, which they transitioned into Red Angus cattle. Butch enjoyed being involved in a Red Angus Documentary about the history of Milliron Triangle Cattle.
Though no one would ever think of Gordon Eugene Sweet as a hired model, but his face appeared on many Coors posters throughout the United States.
Highlights of his life include being a 4H dad, vacations camping with his family, a trip to Australia with Norma. He often reminisced about traveling the east coast and rodeoing with his good friend, Tom Quinlan.
Though private about his spiritual affairs, he believed in God, having pastures and open sky for his church. Work ethic, gifting to others was a mission, and commitment was his bible and loyal friends were his confessor. He lived as if he knew the Creator was great and that his life was truly blessed.
Mable Lane and Butch met in 1999 and she became his better half in 2001. Together they spent the next 22 years and she cared for him with great love and tenderness. Butch always said, “I could have never made it through without her.” His family and friends will be forever grateful for the joy and quality of life she brought him.
Butch was preceded in death by his wife Norma; his father, Gabe (Scout) and mother, Jo Kirkpatrick Sweet; his sister, Beverly; and daughter in law, Sheila Everson.
Butch is survived by his partner and friend, Mable Lane, two sons and their families: Gary Everson of Deer Lodge (Gary’s two daughters Misty (Jim) and Stacy, two grandchildren Aiden and Braylynn); Larry Sweet (Denise) of Miles City (Larry’s two children Shane (Kelsey) and Brianna (Craig) and two grandchildren Connor and Liam); two sisters Ann Thomason of Miles City and Babe Smith (Hal) of Texas.
Butch is survived by his partner and friend, Mable Lane, two sons and their families: Gary Everson of Deer Lodge (Gary’s two daughters Misty (Jim) and Stacy, two grandchildren Aiden and Braylynn); Larry Sweet (Denise) of Miles City (Larry’s two children Shane (Kelsey) and Brianna (Craig) and two grandchildren Connor and Liam); two sisters Ann Thomason of Miles City and Babe Smith (Hal) of Texas.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in Butch’s name to St. Jude Research Hospital, st.jude.org/donate. A place near and dear to his heart.
Visitation will be held on Monday, January 23, 2023 at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Miles City with family receiving friends from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. A Funeral Service will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, January 24, 2023 at Grace Bible Church in Miles City. Interment with Full Military Honors will immediately follow the Funeral Service at the family lot in Custer County Cemetery. To leave condolences for the family please visit: www.stevensonandsons.com .
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Monday January 23, 2023
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main St.
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
11:30 a.m.
Tuesday January 24, 2023
Grace Bible Church
Miles City, Montana 59301
Interment with Full Military Honors
To follow immediately after the Funeral Service
Tuesday January 24, 2023
Custer County Cemetery
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Monday January 23, 2023
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main St.
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
11:30 a.m.
Tuesday January 24, 2023
Grace Bible Church
Miles City, Montana 59301
Interment with Full Military Honors
To follow immediately after the Funeral Service
Tuesday January 24, 2023
Custer County Cemetery
Miles City, Montana 59301
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Shorty & Judy says
Butch family: So sorry for your Loss he will always hold a special place in our hearts he was one special man one of a kind praying God will give you all strength now and the days to come.
David Sims says
My deepest sympathy to Mabel and Butches family, I’m gonna miss you old mate especially our regular phone chats and finally when Larry got you a IPHONE and we could face time each other, i bloody well told ya you could do it. I was so looking forward to seeing you again at this year’s BHS you’re in gods arms now mate happy trails to you until we meet again 🎼Thank you for the wonderful memories old friend
Your Aussie mate Dave 🇦🇺😢🇺🇸
Tammy Popp Schoenbeck says
Aww Butch had so many fun times with you when i worked at the Big Sky, you will be missed
Pamela Goplen says
Rest in Peace Uncle Butch.
Brian & Peggy (Quinlan) Certain says
Sweet family, we are sorry for your loss. He has gone to be with his friends who passed before him. The adventures begin again. God’s peace.
Lois M Parmenter says
To Mabel, Larry and Gary and all of Butch’s family, Butch will be missed by many people. He had so many friends.
He always had a good story to remember. I will miss our visits my friend, so glad we talked a little over a week ago.
May God bless you with loss of cattle and horses to watch over. May you have many card games with old friends. Miss you! Lois
Ken Minow says
To Larry.Gary and Family my condolences.Butch was a character.one of the old salts.So sorry for your loss.
Ken and Pat Jones says
So sorry for your loss, one hell of a Cowboy and a wonderful man who will be missed.
Jon Wilkerson and Sandi Kohones says
Jon and I are so sorry for the loss of such a good friend . We enjoyed are chats and listening to Butch’s stories. He will be missed !
Linda Walker says
I am sorry to read this. He was quite a guy!
Jan Munroe says
To Mable, Larry and Gary, his big sister Ann, and all of the family, my condolences. The loss of “Uncle Butch” will certainly be felt by all the Sweet family.
Susan Kirkpatrick Cranford says
I am very sorry to see that Butch passed away. I would see him every now and then around town but when we did it was fun talking about my dad and other family members. I will miss him. I send hugs and prayers to his family.
Butch and Julie Raymond says
So sorry Larry, Denise and Mabel. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Audrey and Greg Blind says
So sorry Hugs and prayers Larry, Denise ,and to all of his family friends . My he RIP 🙏
Curt and Kate Terrett says
Sorry for your loss.
Jim and Annalise Willson says
We are so sorry to hear about Butch. He was a long time family friend. Butch sheared a lot of Sheep with My Dad Norman Willson and my two brothers Lee and Norm JR. when they sheared with Vic Taylors crew. I hauled several loads of cattle for Butch when I drove for Ray Jerrel Trucking. I am glad I got to visit with him one last time just a couple of weeks ago. REST IN PEACE Butch.
Jim and Annalise Willson
Dixie and Lacy Cannon says
Butch was just like family to us! Loved him to death.
Karen Kirkpatrick Ahlgren says
So sorry to hear of Butch’s passing. Always loved talking to him. Very funny guy. So glad I saw him last summer.Ann and Babe, you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Karen Kirkpatrick Ahlgren
Larry French says
So sorry Gary and Larry. We go back a long way. What great fun we all have had together.
Darl and Bridget Fuller says
We were so sad to hear of Butch’s passing and as Easterners who fell in Love with Montana and especially Miles City Butch was a icon, he was truly a John Wayne in our our eyes . We will miss him and another star will shine a little brighter in The Big Sky country. Thank you for the memories we will cherish forever.
Love
Darl and Bridget Fuller
from Ohio
Bob and Marge moore. says
So sorry to see of Butches passing. He was always fun to run into and have a good laugh.. have fun up in heaven.
Marcia (Huber) Heydt says
Gary, My condolences.
Ron Watts says
I was very fortunate to know Butch my entire life! It was always such a pleasure to visit with him. My favorite cliche of his “We are here just to visit, Heaven is our home” .
Lon and Vicki Reukauf says
Butch was always interesting to visit with. He was a natural story teller with a wealth of experience of interesting happenings to draw from. I last seen him at the pharmacy and we had afew chuckles about vaccinating calves and us . We sure will miss him. Thoughts and prayers are with Gary and Larry and families.
JoAnn Frizzell (Storlie) says
My dear Great Uncle Butch. I so wanted to be at the funeral today. Between weather and finances I could not. We have many adventures together. Rode several miles. Had amazing cream of asparagus on toast. Worked with cows and horses and dogs and cats. Cattle Drive of 95. Played cards. So much more. I am grateful for the memories and time spent. I will see you again in heaven. Rest in Peace ♥️🙏♥️
Sheila Kirkpatrick-Massar says
Butch was such a great guy my condolences to all his family
Allen Edmonds says
Larry and Gary,
Your dad was a fantastic man, his love of family, work ethic, and integrity were impeccable . I was privileged to have worked with Butch at Peavey for 10 years and he was my best man back in 1980. He was a sterling example of a Montana patriarch that stood for God, family, and the cowboy way. His stories will be greatly missed and his friendship will be cherished by those that knew him.