Howard “Sonny” Linger, age 85, of Miles City, cowboy – family man – friend – went home to his Creator/Savior, Jesus on April 23rd, 2013.
Sonny was born on April 9th, 1928 to Howard Key and Doris Hames Linger in Alamosa Colo. He joined two sisters, Betty, (John Shawcroft) and Elinor (Bill Votaw). He grew up on the family ranch and graduated from Hooper High School. Rodeo called Sonny early and he was riding cows and bulls at the Monte Vista “Sky High Stampede” when he was 14 years old. After a stint serving his country in the Navy, during the occupation period of South Korea in the late 40’s and an honorable discharge, Sonny continued to follow his rodeo dream. Competing in bareback, saddle bronc, steer wrestling, and bull riding, Sonny competed in the RCA, which is today’s PRCA, from 1947 to 1961, primarily competing in saddle bronc and steer wrestling. Sonny won many awards and buckles and had the highest marked ride (under the Rodeo Cowboys Assoc. old system of marking) of 194 points in the saddle bronc riding at the prestigious Denver Co’s National Western Stockshow and Rodeo on a horse named “Ten Below”, a mark that was never equaled nor beat.
Sonny knew rodeo from both sides of the arena fence, also serving as stock foreman, chute boss and arena director for Beutler Brothers in Elk City, Ok from 1949-66. When the National Finals Rodeo was created in 1959 his natural talent for handling livestock got him hired as chute boss, a position he held through 1968, following the NFR from Dallas to Los Angeles to Oklahoma City. He was the Finals’ livestock superintendent from 1985-2003. Sonny began his own stock contracting firm in 1971, Linger Rodeo Co., a family owned concern, producing rodeos in Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota, Texas, and Kansas, as well as providing stock for the National Western Rodeo in Denver, Pendleton Round-Up, Rodeo Houston, San Antonio, and Ft Worth. His experience as a contestant, livestock producer, chute boss and PRCA rodeo judge, gave him knowledge in every aspect of rodeo. But it was Sonny’s great ability with animals that is his legacy. His peers credit him with knowing and handling rough stock better and easier than anyone in rodeo.
Highlights of Sonny’s rodeo life was crowned with his induction into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame in Colorado Springs, Colo., in 1998, and his induction into the National Cowboy Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City in 2011. Sonny resumed his ranch cowboy life after he and partner/son Pat sold the rodeo company to Bruce Ford in 1984. Working for and with Fred Wacker’s +4 Ranches: calving, branding, chasing yearlings, and enjoying what he called his “playground” consisting of some 200,000 acres of ‘freedom’. A hard worker, man of his word, but his family will remember him most, as just ‘dad’, who took the time to shower his affection on the ladies in his life and to spend the quality time hunting, sports, and fishing with his sons.
Sonny was married to Ramadine (Gott) in 1948 and to this union, a daughter, Vicki Rae Wheeler was born. Sonny married Bess (Turner) in 1952 and to this union was born two sons: Larry (Ann) and Pat (Lori), and a daughter, Amber (Tom Hope). Bess went home to be with her Savior Jesus in 1999. Sonny married Betty Lancaster in Columbus NM on February 19th, 2009.
Sonny is survived by his wife Betty; son: Larry Linger (Ann); grandson Matt Linger (wife Arlene and Mason, Bailey); grandson Will Linger (wife Ivy and Bailey, Josslyn); grandson Brad Linger (wife Emilee); son Pat Linger (wife Lori); granddaughter Teal Lind (husband Jon and Logan); grandson Ty Linger (wife Rosalie and Dec and Uriah); daughter: Vicki Rae Wheeler; granddaughter: Toyah Rae Nastanovich (husband Mike); granddaughter: Tinah Elizabeth Strausbaugh (husband Dan and Hayden); daughter: Amber Hope (husband Tom); grandson: JT Hope (wife Joani and Lynsie, Trystyn, Cecily); granddaughter: Sonni Beth Hope, (friend, Stan Wells)
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 30, 2013 at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home with family receiving friends from 4:00-6:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, May 1, 2013 at 10:30 a.m. at Grace Bible Church in Miles City. Interment will follow in the Eastern Montana State Veteran’s Cemetery with full military honors provided by VFW Post 1579. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home of Miles City is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the VFW Hall or the charity of one’s choice.
Service Schedule
Visitation
10:00 a.m to 6:00 p.m
Tuesday April 30, 2013
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Miles City, MT
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday April 30, 2013
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Miles City, MT 59301
Graveside Service with Full Military Honors
Wednesday May 1, 2013
Eastern Montana Veterans Cemetery
Miles City , MT 59301
Service Schedule
Visitation
10:00 a.m to 6:00 p.m
Tuesday April 30, 2013
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Miles City, MT
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday April 30, 2013
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Miles City, MT 59301
Graveside Service with Full Military Honors
Wednesday May 1, 2013
Eastern Montana Veterans Cemetery
Miles City , MT 59301
Share
Nora Drew says
Pat, Lori, Ty, & Teal:
So sorry to hear of the passing of dear Sonny. My thoughts are with your family during this difficult time.
Donald John and Alice Cameron says
Sorry to hear this news. We have been enjoying the pictures that you have been posting and doing a lot of remembering. Another page of history has turned. You have a lot of wonderful memories to help you trough the rough times.
Nancy Pasha says
Dear Betty, Pat, Lori, Ty and Teal,
The rodeo world and family has lost a great cowboy today. The sadness I feel doesn’t compare to the joy Sonny is experiencing at being in the presence of our Heavenly Father! He no longer is sick and in pain, but has a new healthy body. I am so thankful that Sonny was a part of PeeWee and my life. Rest in peace dear friend. Love to all of you.
Roberta and Monte Willman and Dee McCants says
Betty, sorry we cann’t be there, it’s the same day that we head over to Bismark for a cateract removel. Thinking of you all, huggs all around from us.
Scot and Jodie OBryan says
Pat and Lori and family, So sorry to hear of Sonny passing. He was a good man and we have many memories of him. I will never forget his laugh and the kindness he showed us. I hope he feeds Strawberry an extra can of oats when he gets to heaven. God Bless you guys and you will be in our prayers.
joe ferris says
I am so sorry for your loss he was a great man and will missed by everyone who new him. you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
jolaine chapman says
Pat and family, Prayers to you and yours. I will never forget your dad and also your mom. What an amazing couple. Hard to find good people like them. Thinking of you. Jolaine
Lavonne Phalen says
Pat and Lori, Ty and Rosalie, Teal and Johnathan, and all of your family, I am thinking of you and praying for your peace in the midst of this celebration of a good life well lived. The closing door brings so many memories and such an awareness of the joy of the other side where all their hurts are healed and their understanding is complete. Yet still, we deal with the loss. God bless and keep you
Marcy Parks says
I am so sorry to hear about Sonny. My heart goes out to all of you; you are in my thoughts and prayers. Knowing where he is and that you’ll all be together again truly gives that peace that passes all understanding. Thankful that God is with you, upholding you and strengthening you in the midst of this.
Bill and Patti Ogg says
Sonny was a genuine and honorable person, a true friend and mentor to me for many many years. Sorry for your loss, we all all have lost a good man. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Terry Turner Womack says
Larry, Pat, Amber and Family
My prayers are with all of you during this difficult time. My heart goes out to you all.
I always Loved Uncle Sonny and Aunt Bess.
Ron and Connie Watts says
Sonny was to me one of those guys that gave true meaning to the word “gentleman” and has indeed passed it on to the next generations. May the Lord continue to Bless you.
Fred and Clara Wilson says
So sorry to hear of the passing of our friend. He was a true cowboy and we thought of him and Bess often. God bless.
Julie and Mark Perrino says
Dear Betty & Linger Family,
We are very sad to have lost such a kind, sincere man whom we all looked up to. Thank you for allowing us to be part of his legacy. Sonny will be greatly missed by many people, he was truly “one of a kind”.
Geri Pursley says
Pat, Lori, Ty, Teal, Amber and her family,
Sonny is one of my rodeo heros and will always be so. I am so very blessed to have the Linger family as a part of my life. The Lord has been good to us all by bringing each of us together in this life and the next. I have many fond memories that I will always treasure. My prayers are with you.
Peggy Redman & Earl Mortensen says
To all of Sonny’s family,
Earl joins me in sending heartfelt condolences to you in Sonny’s passing. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends, the Miles City community, and the rodeo world. May you find comfort and strength in knowing others care. We are thinking of, and praying for you at this difficult time. May you find peace in your memories of him, and comfort in the love and support of family and friends.
Skip and Mary Lynn Emmett says
We are so sorry to hear of your loss and pray that God will comfort you and give you peace during this most sorrowful time. He was truly a cowboy gentleman and will be missed.
Pat & Bob Corbin says
The Good Lord took another Great Cowboy home. Sonny was a kind gentleman in every since of the word. He will be so missed in the world of rodeo as well as the community of Miles City. It was indeed an honor to know such man. He was a great friend to Harry as they worked together. Harry could not say enough good things about Sonny. May you find comfort in knowing that Sonny is not sick any longer. He was such a strong icon to all of us that knew him. Rest In Peace Cowboy.
Allen Russell says
Pat, Ty and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Last year at Bucking Horse Sale I was so very appreciative that Pat and Ty agreed to my photographing them for a Western Horseman article; however I was honored that Sonny agreed to put up with me. What a kind gentleman he was as I took advantage of photographing a hero of mine and asking him for several poses. Afterward I ask him what he attributed for his success. Without hesitation he said dryly, “Oh, its always a good idea to keep a good sense of humor” Thanks Sonny, for putting up with me and my memories of my brief encounters with you will always make my sense of humor a little better.
Rhonda Sedgwick Stearns says
Patrick and family,
Our loss was Heaven’s gain when Sonny rode away. He was an icon in our sport, a true cowboy of the old school who treated everyone square and never lost that twinkle in his eye, no matter how long the day. Sonny and Bess and you welcomed me warmly into the prorodeo circle 45 years ago and became some of my heroes. May God give you all peace and comfort in precious memories and the anticipation of reunion on that better range he’s ridin’ now.
Peggy Veach Robinson says
To the Linger Family-
I extend my sincere sympathy. It was a delight and pleasure meeting Sonny and doing his interview for the Rodeo Historical Society oral history upon his induction in to the Rodeo Hall of Fame in 2011. Having heard and read of his accomplishments it certainly was a memory making time for me.
John & Nikki Brown says
Our sincere sympathies. We remember Sonny fondly.
Ted & Tawni Zier says
Pat and Amber, Sonny was one of those we will always remember. Him and your mom are jewels.
Chris and Diana Elwood says
To all of Sonny’s Family, Its hard to let our loved ones go, but it is also a relief to know that their suffering is over and that the arms of Jesus is where Sonny is now and the angels are rejoicing. He will be missed by many, and the rodeo world will never be the same, he has passed on his legacy to his family. God bless all of you.
Marilyn and Jim May says
Pat, Lori, Ty, Rosalie, Teal, Jonathan and Betty
We send all of you our love, sympathy and prayers. May God comfort you in your great loss. We’re so glad we got to know Sonny and Betty, too.
Dale Bird says
Sorry to hear about Sonny knew him for alot of years the Bird family in Cut Bank, MT send our condolences to the family of Sonny Linger take care and god bless he was a very kind and great cowboy
jack finnerty says
so glad I got to know and work with this man,lots of good memories. He was the Best.
J Johnson says
My sincere condolences to the family and friends of Howard Linger. May you find comfort in your happy memories and in remembering the fine qualities you recall of Mr. Linger. Please know that God promises to be, “near to those that are broken at heart; and those who are crushed in spirit he saves.” (Psalm 34:18) Our loving Creator has promised to soon “swallow up death forever…and wipe the tears from all faces.” (Isaiah 25:8) Please look forward to the joy of again seeing Howard Linger in perfect health in Paradise conditions as was originally purposed in the Garden of Eden. Hopefully these promises will ease the pain of loss. Meanwhile we have the opportunity to follow Jesus’ instruction to continue to take in Bible knowledge that leads to everlasting life and gives us comfort and hope (John 17:3).
Ken and Kristi Stein says
Dear Pat, Lori and families,
Thank you for sharing your father with us!! Our Prayers and Thought are with you all as you celebrate a life lived to the fullest. Sonny will always be remembered as a man who was quiet and reserved until you put a burr under his saddle.
Kay Carlson says
Dear Amber and family,
I am so sorry to hear that Sonny has passed. He has left a legacy that all can be proud of. I will keep you close in my heart and prayers during this difficult time.
Neil, Robin and Haile Houck-Maryland says
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. You and are all in our thoughts and Prayers.
Corina Venable says
Sending my thoughts and prayers to your family at this difficult time. Sonny has and always will be one of my heros. Love and peace to you all.
John Read says
Dear Betty and family,
From all of the staff (Junior, Martin, & John) and volunteers (Melody, AJ, and Tillie) at Pancho Villa State Park, we extend our heartfelt sympathies for your loss. Sonny was well respected and loved by all of us at the park. We will miss his smiling face and wonderful sense of humor! Best wishes to you all!
Dixie Berzel says
Pat and family,
I hope that all of the great memories of all of the fun times that we shared with Sonny will help you though this time. The rodeo world won’t be the same without him.
My thoughts and prayers are with you
Dixie Berzel
john edwards says
sorry to hear of the passing of sonny–when I first started rodeoin I worked on the labor list for beutler bros rodeo outfit and sonny was the ramrod. he was always good to us young guys and gave us every chance to mount out and try out new horses which helped speed up the learning process. He devoted his life to the sport of rodeo and will be missed–my condolences to the family—John Edwards
JC , Butch & Becky says
We are so sad to hear about Sonny-dang those were some great times – and what a family- I am so honored to have been a part of those great rodeos years. JC always says never a better bucking horse man.
Our love and prayers to all of your
Lloyd M cKinney says
Saddened by Sonny’s passing, he was such a great Rodeo Man and a great friend to everyone he ever met. And Pat & family you all have learned well from him. Keep up the good work and we’ll see you all at the BHS…. Take care my friends….
Bill & kay Martinelli says
Bill and I send our sincere sympathy to all of Sonnys family. I know that Bill has so many fond memories of Sonny and was sorry to hear of his passing….God Bless you all
Dan Ferris says
I will always remember Sonny fondly. He was a good man and will be missed.
Rollie Wilson says
GOD BLESS the COWBOYS… I am sure Sonny is up in Heaven, telling GOD about some good ones… that will buck.
We will miss you…
Prayers to all the Family
Mel Moe says
Condolences to the Sonny Linger family. A true cowboy’s friend.
From Mel Moe
1970’s PRCA Bull Rider
Jeane Linger and Family says
I am so sorry to hear about your Dad. George (Lyman’s son) crossed over on January 23,2013, of Lou Gehrigs disease. I remember when we went to the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame Induction George was so proud of your Dad. We didn’t get to see him often and missed him when he visited with Nelda, but George often bragged about him to anyone who would listen. Take Care and May You Find Peace in the Lord.
Larry and Cindy Culwell and Ted Smalley says
So sorry for your loss. Ted, my dad, and i remember him well. Rodeo life has a lot of good memories for us. We will keep you in our prayers .
Cindy Smalley Culwell
Mary and Russ Dolveln says
Our thoughts and prayers to you and all your family. Sonny was truly one of a kind and we were to so very fortunate to have known him and his family. The best to you
Chelsea Okerman says
Pat, Lori, Ty, Teal, and Betty –
I was so saddened to hear of Sonny’s passing. I have fond memories of he and my grandpa sitting in white plastic lawn chairs at brandings, ruling the roost and pretending to be in charge! He was such a kind soul. I really enjoyed reading his obituary. I’ve been thinking about you guys! I’m glad Mom, Dad, and Grandpa could be there.
Always
Mike Steiger says
Pat and family sorry to hear about Sonny I am sure he will be missed by not only his family but everybody that knew him. God Bless. Mike Steiger.
Steve and Mary Womack says
Pat, Lori and family, Just opened up my rodeo magazine and read about Sonny’s homegoing. We are sorry for your loss. Rejoice in the fact that someday you’ll get to go join your earthly Father AND your Heavenly Father. Was glad I got the chance to meet him at your home a couple of years ago. God bless y’all.
Jay Cannon says
Jay Cannon:
Pat , God bless, sorry to here about Sonny’s passing. He will be lookin over you as he always did. He was always one of my favorite people, and never stopped being that way the whole time I knew him. Hope all is good for you.