Harvey Ray Glover, age 93, of Billings, Montana passed away on Monday, August 21, 2017 at Tender Nest in Billings.
Ray was born April 28, 1924 at Melstone, Montana, the son of Harvey A. and Jeannette S. (Brown) Glover. Shortly after that date, the family moved to Miles City where his father was employed for the Milwaukee Railroad. Ray attended school in Miles City and graduated from Custer County High School in 1942. After high school, Ray hired out on the Milwaukee Railroad as a Brakeman and was promoted to a Conductor in 1946. Ray entered the U.S. Navy in May of 1943 and served in the Pacific, S.W. Pacific and was in on the invasion of Okinawa on April 1, 1945 until the sinking of his ship USS SC 636 at Okinawa as the result of a typhoon on September 17, 1945. After being honorably discharged in February of 1946, he returned to Miles City and to his job with the Milwaukee Railroad. Ray married Beverly Hecht in Miles City in May of 1946. To this union a daughter Jeannette Rae was born on April 25, 1950 and passed away on January 6, 1984. They were divorced in 1980. Ray railroaded 41 years and 9 months, except for 33 months in the Navy during WWII. His last two years of railroading were spent with the Burlington Northern Railroad at Hettinger, ND after the Milwaukee Railroad folded up. He had many memories of Railroading but probably his most enjoyable time was spent when he was the head brakeman on numerous times when his father was the engineer and his brother Res was the fireman for his father. All three of them on the same crew on steam and diesel power. Ray always said his 15 minutes of fame was when he was the Conductor of the last Milwaukee train out of Miles City on March 30, 1982. The crew of that last train were his Railroad buddies of many, many years on the Milwaukee Railroad which included: Engineer Joe Zawada, Fireman Jim St. Peter and Brakemen Kermet Slater and Joe Bum; that was very sad for all Milwaukee employees. Ray retired in April of 1984 at Hettinger, ND while working for the Burlington Northern Railroad and returned to Miles City.
Ray and Phyllis Cotton were married in January of 1981 at Harlowton, Montana. They lived in Miles City and Hettinger, ND until he retired. They spent ten wonderful years in Arizona after retiring. They returned to Miles City in April of 1999 and then moved to Great Falls in March of 2004.
Ray was a “life” member of the VFW in Miles City and a “paid up for life” member of the American Legion. He was a “Past Master” in 1973 of the Yellowstone Lodge #26 AF&AM and 50 year member of Miles City and a retired member of the United Transportation Union.
One of Ray’s greatest joys was to he on the Honor Flight to Washington DC.
Ray is survived by his step children: Ty (Shari )Cotton of Helena, MT; Jodie (Bob) Sorrentino of Palm Desert, CA; Hilly Hopkins of Great Falls, MT; and Bob Hopkins of Broadus, MT; his grandchildren: Kristy (Adam) Nolan, Shannon Sorensen, Gina Hansen, Tyler Cotton and Adam Cotton; great grandchildren: Marissa Misenhimer of Palm Springs, CA, Qualiq Sorensen of Palm Desert, CA.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Rex, beloved daughter Jeannette Rae and his wife Phyllis.
He had many memories of Railroading but probably his most enjoyable time was spent when he was the head of brakeman on numerous times when his father was the engineer and his brother (Rex) was the fireman for his father.
Cremation has taken place and at his request, no public services will be held. Masonic graveside rites will be held with full military honors will be held at a later date in the Custer County Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Graveside Service with Full Military Honors
12:00 p.m.
Saturday October 7, 2017
Custer County Cemetery
Miles City, MT
Service Schedule
Graveside Service with Full Military Honors
12:00 p.m.
Saturday October 7, 2017
Custer County Cemetery
Miles City, MT
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Jennifer Reed says
Im writing to express my deepest sympathies to the family. May God give comfort from treasured friends and family. And may you take comfort in knowing God cares about you and knows your pain. 1 Peter 5:7
Becky Gergen says
Ray and Bev Glover lived across the alley from me from the time I was born until I moved out of the house at age 22. Not only were they great neighbors but they also babysat me until I was seven years old. Ray built sandboxes and a playhouse for Jeannette and I to enjoy. My first ride in a volkswagon car was with Ray. On Ray’s days off, he would be outside working in the yard keeping the place very clean. It would be very hard for you to find one weed in Ray Glover’s yard. Ray loved his daughter, Jeannette, very much and he took very good care of her until she passed. I hope to see you again Ray.
Kristi Nolan says
Gramps was the most amazing man I’ve ever met. He put me, my Mom and Daughter through Nursing school. He was smart funny and had hilarious sayings. I can’t imagine life without Gramps but it gives me comfort to know he’s in heaving with Nettie and dancing with Gram. Thank you everyone for the kind comments
Connie Beatty says
Harv…you have a very big place in my heart…I will miss you forever. My condolences to the family..I love you all.