Jack Lowell Hanley, age 96, passed away on September 16, 2014 at the Friendship Villa Nursing Home in Miles City.
Jack was born on March 30, 1918 to Clifford and Ethel Hanley in Calumet, MT (rural N. Carter County). Jack was the born the 2nd of 5 sons. His brothers were George, Gene (Bucky), Clifford (Swede) and Pat. He attended grade school at the Spring Creek Rural School in that community. At the age of 18, he joined the CCC Camp in Thompson Falls with his brother George. On January 6, 1942, he enlisted in the US Army Air Force. While stationed in Nashville, TN, he married Roxye Sanders on August 5, 1943. During his time in the Army, he acquired the 20th American Theater Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, a service stripe and a World War II victory medal.
Jack was discharged from the Army in February, 1945, and he and Roxye packed up with 1 horse and a goat and moved to the Wolf Place just south of his parents place in Northern Carter County. They ranched there until 1959 when they sold that place and purchased another ranch in eastern Custer County on the Powder River. Together, they had 3 daughters, Linda, Debra, and Jacqueline. This union ended in divorce in 1967.
Jack met and married Doris Eileen Taylor on January 14, 1968. They had one son, Justin. During their time together they lived in various communities including Absarokee, Lame Deer, Melstone and finally settling in Roundup. They resided there until Doris passed away and then Jack moved to Baker for a time and then back to Miles City.
Jack enjoyed ranching, breaking horses to drive and then displaying their talents at various parades around the country. He loved giving people rides with his colorful appaloosa team in the “surry with the fringe” on top!! One of which he was going too fast for the turn in the Roundup arena during the grand entry and upended the wagon with several grandkids aboard!! (They all survived, by the way!)
Jack learned to play the banjo, loved calling square dances (some of which he did at the Grand Ol’ Opry while he was stationed in Nashville) and dearly loved to dance. If a good song played that he liked, he was the first one on the dance floor.
Another talent Jack enjoyed was building anything! At the Roundup property he started with a trailer house, built a house in the bank around it and then dismantled the trailer house and threw it out the door! He was very resourceful and creative when it came to building things. His last project was to cut huge logs and started another log house—(also in the bank) on that property when he in his late 70’s. He was very in tune with “earth” homes! He always said they are warm in the winter and cool in the summer!
Survivors include: Daughter-Linda (Dean) Newman, Roundup, MT and their children: Jona (Lige) Murray, Canyon, TX; Tara (Neil) Bradley, Sioux Falls, SD; Mauri (Kelvin) Elness, Winifred, MT; and Jami (Curtis) DeHaven, Shepherd, MT. Daughter-Debra (Bob) Hagemeister, Kinsey, MT and their children: Lonnie (Kaycee) Hagemeister, Kinsey, MT; Rob (Melissa) Hagemeister, Miles City, MT. Daughter-Jacqueline (Steve) Anderson, Miles City, MT and their children: Barry (Keli) Anderson, Miles City; Kyle (Tara) Anderson, Forsyth, MT; and Kelsey (Leo) Pluhar, Miles City, MT. Son—Justin (Carolina) Hanley and children: Raina, Hannah, Ava, Austin Hanley and Adam and Emily Mansfield. His brothers Pat (Linda) Hanley and Swede Hanley both of Baker. His step children include: Kathy (Jim) Leischner of Baker, MT; Larry Taylor; Jim Taylor of Miles City, MT; Helen Turner of Miles City, MT; Brad (Dee) Taylor of Sheridan, WY; Cindy (Doug) Baier of Belgrade, MT and families. He is also survived by 24 great grandchildren: Nikia Bradley, Kylie, Reed, and Hannah Murray, Wyatt and Dru Walkowski, Logan, Jaxen and Treylen DeHaven, Jordan and Laynee Elness, Jordan, Grady, and Kyler Hagemeister, Alexis, Garrett, and Blake Hagemeister, Kaci, Riley, Ashton and Colton Anderson, Nate and Kaylee Zard, and Chasyn Pluhar and numerous nieces and nephews.
Jack was preceded in death by his parents , Clifford and Ethel Hanley, his first wife Roxye, and second wife, Doris; Brothers-George and Gene (Bucky); Sister-in-laws-Kathryn, Ella, Dorothy, Pearl and Kay; and Son-in-Law, Harold LaBree.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, October 5, 2014 with the family receiving friends from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Funeral services will be held on Monday, October 6, 1014 at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Interment will be held at 3:00 pm at the family plot at the Beaverlodge Cemetery in Ekalaka. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com. Should friends desire, memorials may be made to a charity of one’s choice.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Sunday October 5, 2014
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, MT
Funeral Service
10:00 a.m.
Monday October 6, 2014
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, MT
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Sunday October 5, 2014
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, MT
Funeral Service
10:00 a.m.
Monday October 6, 2014
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, MT
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Norm and Laura Jane Willson says
So sorry to hear of Jack’s passing. Norm says that he was one of the last ones left. Enjoyed visiting with him.
Cara Willson says
Justin & all of Jack’s family,
I am so sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. We had some great visits. I enjoyed hearing about my family history, especially him helping move my Grandparents to the Maxwell place in a wagon. I thoroughly enjoyed Jack’s stories and always looked forward to seeing him. He lived a very long and interesting life. You will have plenty of memories to help ease your sorrow. Thinking of all of you,
Cara
Tom and Lillian Ostendorf says
Sorry to hear of Jack’s passing. I used to visit with him a little the last time Kenny was in Friendship Villa. Our condolences.
Tom and Lillian
Nathan & Kourtney (Hanley) Stortz says
Sending hugs and prayers to everyone.
Patty and Bob Washington says
Justin, Debbie, and Jacquie: So sorry about your dad. My brother Glen Cunningham sends his condolences as well as my son, Michael. Thinking of you all with love.
Norman & Vonnie Shannon says
Justin, Thinking of you. With our sympathy.
Norman & Vonnie Shannon
J Johnson says
Dear family of Jack Hanley – I am sorry to hear of your loss. May the Creator give you peace through his sure promise to comfort us (2 Corinthians 1:3, 4). Cherish all your happy memories and I hope you are consoled by Bible promises (John 17:3).
Johnella says
Sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. I will not be able to attend the services but know that I am thinking of all of you. I have lots of fond and fun memories of your Dad!
Steve and Judy Sanders says
Linda, Debbie, Jackie, and Justin and families,
We are sorry to hear of the loss of Uncle Jack. My heart goes out to you. It will get a little easier with time, but remember they will always remain in your heart. Love, Steve and Judy
Margie and Aubry Smith says
Jack was definitely one of those ‘unforgettable characters’. Our paths crossed a number of times He worked at our neighbors awhile, north of Billings, when Justin was a baby. and enjoyed being around him when was at Melstone… A good cowboy and teamster…
Faye Ellen says
Linda, so sorry to learn of your father’s passing. As time goes by, may you cherish ever so strongly the good memories you have of your dad….just as I treasure all the memories of our high school years together…you and I. Fondly, Faye Ellen
Shannon Holmen says
Jackie and Debbie,
I didn’t know your dad but after reading his obit I wish I would have. He sounded like a colorful guy! Here’s to fond memories, take care my friends.
Clenora and Gary Quinlan says
Wow all that life, and living that he did. You will miss him, but you got lots of memories to hold close too, no regrets. Looks like your related to all of Eastern montana to share Jacks memories with. Jack that darn awesome guy he was..Prayers and Hugs to you all.
Kyle & Gail Shaw says
Dear Family, Sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. I loved to play at dances where he was, he was so fun to watch dance as he was very good and had so much energy. He could get a dance started with ease. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Marge (Wiseman) Griebel says
Linda and all of Jack’s family, Sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. He lived a full life doing what he loved to do. Anyone who can do that is a lucky person. I loved to visit with him. I have many memories of him when I was young and we were neighbors to you. I will always remember his Tennessee Walking Horse stud “Hi Neighbor”. My dad got some good colts out of him and dad’s palomino quarter horse mare (all palominos). I knew he had an interesting life but didn’t realize how interesting until reading his obituary. Cherish the memories you have of him.
Crystal Moore says
Jackie, Justin, Debbie and Linda:
I am thinking of you all in these difficult times. Hugs and prayers to you all!
Crystal Moore
Jesse and Anna LaBree says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We would have liked to have been there for you, but we are on a bus tour to the New England states. With our sympathy, Jesse and Anna