James Brently “Brent” Murnion, age 54, of Halliday, North Dakota died unexpectedly and peacefully at his home with his wife, Sabra, by his side. The world was blessed with his light on July 19th, 1960 when he became the youngest son to loving parents John D. and Mary Alice Murnion. Since then, few words have been able to describe the unique and beautiful human being that he was.
Brent had two loves in his life. He was born with diesel in his blood. Trucking had been a passion for him since his early childhood and at 18, he turned that passion into a calling and made it his way of life. He and his rig “Dixie” became legendary from coast to coast. He wasn’t known simply as the man behind the wheel. He was also considered a guardian, a mentor, and a friend to all of his cohorts. If someone was in need he was there in body, mind, or spirit to help in any way he could. He knew every back road, two-lane, four-lane, scale and scale operators (and a way around them). He could lift spirits with ease and a certain quirky finesse made evident by his unending use of completely original one-liners. His heart knew no strangers and the number of people whose lives he touched, God only knows. Walk into any big truck stop and ask “Hey, anyone in here know Brent Murnion?” and see what happens.
The second love of his life was his beloved wife, Sabra. They knew each other as teenagers but it wasn’t until a cool night in November of 2007 that they found each other again. It was a fairytale kind of love filled with flatbeds and music. It was a love worth waiting for that will last forever and a day.
Brent was preceded in death by his grandparents and his father, John D. Murnion. He is survived by his wife, Sabra; daughters, Krynn Kelly and Jamie Mickels Grebb; step daughters, Savannah and Taylor Stone; his mother Mary Alice Murnion; brother, DeWayne (Candy); sister, Mystie (Mac) Rail; mother and father-in-law, Roger and Sherrie Mack; sisters-in-law, Chevy Cooperman, Tamaira (Jody) Wacker, and Monie (Brandon) Harrison; and two grandsons, Damon and Darrell; along with numerous nieces and nephews.
We are asking friends to bring pictures and share stories at their leisure. Memorials may also be made to help defray funeral expenses if so desired.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 28, 2014 from 1:00-6:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Jordan. Funeral services will be held on Friday, August 29, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. at the Garfield County High School Gym. Interment will follow in the Pioneer Cemetery. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home of Jordan is in charge of the arrangements.
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday August 28, 2014
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Jordan, MT
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Jenny & John Frady says
I so sorry to hear about Brent, May God Bless his soul, & the family
Jack Shawver says
I am shocked to hear of Brent’s passing. GOD BLESS him and all his family.
Rhonda Smotherman says
Mary Alice,Sabra,DeWayne, Mistie and families,I’m so very sorry for the loss of Brent. My heart goes out to each and everyone one of you at this time.May God bring you peace and comfort at this time. Brent was a good friend , classmate and all around swell guy!He will be missed by all. God Bless you all.
Rita Balock Giese says
Sabra, May you and Brent’s families find peace and comfort in wonderful memories that make you smile and laugh. May you always feel Brent’s spirit and know your angel always has his arms wrapped tight around you. Draw strength from the eternal love you share, knowing one day you will meet again.
Glen and Teena Bollinger says
Mary Alice and all of Brent’s family,
Our very deepset sympathy on your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. God Bless!
Glen and Teena
Carol Rath Raschkow says
Mary Alice, DeWayne, Mistie, Sabra and families,
I was saddened to hear of Brent’s passing. He was such a kind heart,, and always so friendly. Offering my condolences and prayers for all of you as you now face life without his presence. What a tragic loss to all who knew and loved him.
God Bless!!
Carol Rath Raschkow
Tim and Cheri Hafla says
Mary Alice, Sabra, DeWayne, Mistie, anad Families,
Our deepest sympathy to all, Brent was such a fun loving man, so much fun to be around. God Bless you all !!!
DeLisa Day Brown says
Sabra & Family,
I am so sorry to hear of Brent’s passing. My heart breaks for you. I will be praying for God to give you peace, strength and comfort during this time. I love you very much.
Pat Brooks Corbin says
To all of Brent’s family, It has been a really long time since I had a good giggle session with Brent. He was always so much fun. Your family has been through so much with losing John D. my heart goes out to all of you. This is truly a tragic loss to all. I will hold each of you in my thoughts and prayers. Bless you all.
Phil and Darlene Shawver says
Mary Alice ,Sabra , Dewayne, and Mystie, along with your families . May you all find comfort in Gods Love at this hurtful time, Brent will always be remembered for his fun loving and friendly ways . He was one of a kind and will be missed greatly by so many. Condolences, Prayers, Love, and Hugs to all of you.
Cindy Stanton says
My sincerest condolences to all of Brent ‘ s family. Brent initiated me into high school. I was really scared. But big, gruff, scary Brent loaded me into his vehicle and drove me out about 5 miles on the Hell Creek road where everyone took their freshmen to walk back to town. He then told me to get down on the floor so no one could see me. He said he was taking me home out of the other side of town and that I should stay there so no one would know he didn’t make me walk. That was the first of a few times that Brent rescued me including at least a couple trips that he hauled me to the hospital. What a great guy with a larger than life personality and heart. He will be missed. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Shelley Davis Abel says
I will never forget meeting you for the first time or seeing you for the last.
GUY C. MILLER SR. says
Brently My Friend, Yes, We all lost you Saturday in life!! But, none of us lost you in our Hearts and Soul!! There “BIG MAN” you will forever stay!!! You, My Friend, are and forever will be one of the Dearest and Truest Friends I will forever have. I will miss you forever. We ran many miles together and shared each others pains and happinesses. We talked to each other many times when we needed a Heart and a Friend. I shall miss those times when the emptiness comes. Thank You, from my Heart Brently !! You’re story will always live forever as long as we are alive.. A story many, many weren’t able to even believe in real life, let alone after life. But, by “God” my Friend it was true and it was real. So Damn you Brently, you did it again. “THE LAST ONE TO THE TOP BUYS DINNER” … You beat us to the top, AGAIN!!!! I Love You My FRIEND and I am missing you, already “A LOT”
Bill Ryan & Madonna McKinney says
Brent and Bill go way back and he has fond memories of Brent and he will miss him.
Krynn Kelly says
He had a big heart and a bigger soul to match it. He was always down for a good story-telling alongside his favorite people in life. I’m going to miss that a lot. You don’t find a lot of people like him in this world. And I’m pretty sure not many are left, if any, know how to show love the way he did. That’s the one thing I’m going to truly remember about him.
LaVonne Rook says
My husband Ed ran many a mile in his truck along with Brent in his. I am thinking they are probably swapping stories in heaven. John has got his work cut out for him riding herd on those 2. Our family really thought a lot of Brent!!
Jerry and Lori Murnion says
you are all in our thoughts and Prayers
Larry Barnes says
My deepest heartfelt sympathies to Sabra, Mary Alice and all of Brents Family and friends. I never saw a boring moment when around Brent. The laughfter and smiles were always pouring out of him. He lived life with zest. He will be missed by everyones life he touched. I bet the gates were opened and He trucked on through jamming gears with horn ahonkin. R.I.P. old Friend. I Hope his Family can find peace knowing Hes now with the Lord in Heaven. Only time will heal, but the memories will last forever.
Brenda Robison says
To all of Brent’s family – May you treasure the memories of Brent. I know I will think of the stories of him and my Dad, Ed Rook and my first husband, Steve Markuson. They drove quite a few miles together. Brent when he would be hauling grain into Billings used to stop and make sure I was doing ok. Always like a big brother to me even if he wasn’t much older than myself. RIP Brent.
Dorthy Ley says
Sabra, and all the Murnion &Mack family’s, you are in my thoughts & prayers and would offer my help in anything I could do to help.
Barb David says
Dear Mary, DeWayne, and Misty,
I would like to acknowledge the precious life and ministry of Brent. Yes ministry because he was so committed to bringing a smile to everyone’s face. I know he brought many funny and entertaining moments to my life when we were kids. Sometimes very mischievous, but mostly pure hilarious. My favorite Brent story was when he bet me that he could make JD’ s saddle horse buck when we were branding at our ranch. The horse bucked out from behind the trailers and JD seen it, oh boy! “Your hair tickles my nose Barbie” you’d always say to me. See you soon and you and Red take it easy on those chariots of fire.
Terri (Galla) Jessen says
To all of Brent’s family my deepest sympathy to have lost someone so soon who was so full of life and love for all. I will never forget Brent’s if you will excuse me “shit eating grin” but that is what he always had every time I seen him and every time I think of him. If he wasn’t telling some story to make you smile then he was most definitely thinking of one. There was never a dull moment when a person was around him. He had a very soft side to him as well, I loved to have heart to hearts with him when he and I were both younger, as I left Jordan several years ago and so therefore have not seen him for several years. I did however keep in touch with him on facebook and also know that he found his true happiness with Sabra. God love you Sabra you were an Angel sent from above for him and he loved you like no other and you were the love of his life who made him the happiest I have ever seen him. RIP Brent and watch over all of those who love you and who you love as well and we are going to miss you terribly.
Tammi (Grimm) Littrell says
Sabra, I’m so sorry for your loss. Brent was truly a special man and you blessed his life in so many ways. I know he was so very happy to have you in it and that he was a better man for having loved you. I have many fond memories of Brent and just thinking of him always brings a smile to my heart. I know your heart is breaking but I hope you find some peace and comfort in knowing how much he loved you. God Bless you all.
Dustin and Shannon Negaard says
Our deepest heartfelt sympathies to all of Brent’s family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during your loss. I have many great memories of Brent. His larger than life personality will never be forgotten. God Bless you all!
Todd Larson says
I reflect back to when we were in school and this really depicts Brent’s character, when the Mack family held their concert in Jordan, I remember Brent telling me, after gazing upon a lovely young lady on stage, that he was going to marry that girl. This what I had come to know about Brent, he was extremely reliable, when he told you he was going to something you might as well plan on it being done. Brent and Sabra shared a little of their life on Facebook which I am grateful. It allowed the rest of us to see what a beautiful couple they were. If I had to sum up Brent’s life, I’d have to say that Brent was a bench mark for all humanity to follow! As Dirk Currey put it, “It’s a dark day in Mudville” and I have to agree. This world is going to be just a little bit less shiny without Brent. Sabra, lots of hugs for you!
Mike and Cheryl Goffena says
Thought and prayers are with you all, God Bless, at this time of your loss.
Rona Meyer says
Brent was a great cousin and friend. He always had time for the “Jorgenson girls” and a tender heart. I remember when our little dog died and he held the funeral and burial in grandma’s yard. A sweet gesture for some broken hearted girls. I have so many good memories and stories of a fun cousin that cut a wide swath through the childhood we shared. I am so sorry Sabra, Mary, DeWayne, Misty and families. He will be missed. I have been praying for you.
Jackie Currey says
Sabra, Mary, Dewayne, Misty, … and all Brent’s family…..
I guess God needed a little “life” added to the heavenly party. Brent always brought a smile to the place when he walked in. I’m so glad that Brent and Sabra found each other again. It was clear to all of us how happy they were. I’m so sorry, Sabra, that you lost your soul mate….. and Mary, it’s unbelievable that you should lose Brently so soon after JD. We’re not supposed to have to say good-bye to our children…. I keep all of you in my prayers….. I’m sure JD and Brent are doing their best to help you through this…. Brent truly had a gift in his heart and he shared that with so many of us. He leaves a true legacy here on earth! God Bless all of you….
Kristi beecher/ larsen says
im so very so for loss, thoughts and prays are with you and your family
Wes & Ronda Rogge says
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. May God watch over you and be beside you through this tough time. Brent will be missed. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Kevin Zatica says
Brent was a dear friend to me ,There was never a dull moment with him around .I will miss you a lot. We had a lot of fun . he was the brother I never had . I will be there to say good bye. until we meet again love you
Ivan and Lujean Vander Esch says
So sorry for your loss. Sabra and family our prayers are with you.
Randy & Vicki Fix says
Sabra, we are so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May God grant you peace and comfort at this difficult time.
Dirk and Miriam Currey says
Mary, DeWayne,Misty and families. We are only put on earth for a short time and what we chose to do with it is up to us. Brent chose to live his life to the fullest. The number of lives we touch while here are is our legacy and Brent’s is a long and memorable one. Our hearts are broken as yours are, but with time, will heal and with the memory of Brent in our hearts it will make us better and stronger people. We are sorry we can’t attend the service , but know that we will be thinking of all of you during that time.
Bill and Deb Anderson says
Anyone who ever met Brent would never forget him! He was the bad boy that made you laugh and the trouble he would get into would just make you want to help him get out of. Never met a more likeable person. RIP because I am sure heaven will never be the same with you there. You will be missed Brent and you will forever be in our hearts.
Lois and Jim Johnstone says
Sabra……..So sorry to hear of your loss…didnt know Brent and barely know you but know you and he were very happy……….We are thinking of you at this very difficult time…..
LYNNETTE says
Sabra, thinking of you and the sudden change in your life. You and Brent each had such fun personalities and together it was double fun to be with you. Brent was always willing to help anyone in our Halliday, ND area and his ‘one liners’ were so notorious. You never failed to mention your love for Brent and I know you will miss him so much. Praying for Christ’s love to surround you during this time. Sending condolences to you, Brent’s mother, and family. Lynnette
julie & Marvin Bickford says
Wow was such a shock to learn that you passed away. Brent you were not just a friend but was family to us will miss your calls at random times. It makes my heart sad you will be missed Kim remembers when you parked you bull rack outside of her wedding recption at the hall in Biggs Ca you were
julie & Marvin Bickford says
Late but you made it Sabra we are so sorry for your loss . Condolences to the whole Murnion family.
Shannon (Jorgenson) Robison says
Brent, you will be missed. Thanks for making my childhood so special. You were truly a one-of-a kind cousin. Love you always!
John and Kathy Eike says
We are so sorry for your loss. Sabra, we know how happy you were once you found Brent. Those good memories and God’s love and faithfulness will get you through these hard days.
Nels and Shannon Jorgensen says
We are sorry for your loss. Always enjoyed the calls from Brent. Will miss hearing from him and seeing positive postings. Please extend our condolences to his whole family. Prayers and hugs.
Nels Jorgensen and family
Sandie Miller Green says
Brent was a unique and gentle soul he never was as happy as the his years with Sabra god blessed him with his one true love. Sorry very sooty for all of you prayers coming your way!
Tex & Sheri Carpenter says
Sabra and family, We only met Brent once but have known the Mack family for many years. We are stunned that this has happened. We have only heard the greatest on things about Brent and know that he and Sabra were meant for each other. Our hearts are have for you all. May God bless you and bring you comfort.
Larae Lindell says
My sympathies to the family. Brent will be so be missed.
Debbie Weyer says
My deepest condolences to the entire family. Brent left this earth too soon, but his memory will forever live with all of us. He will now be your guardian angel wherever you go.
Lana Matt says
I’m truly sorry to Brent’s family at this time. Brent had also helped us out with taking our truck when we needed help. There was no one like him….God Bless his family
Gloria and DJ Milroy says
Our deepest sympathies and most heartfelt prayers are with all of the family. We continue to hold you all close in our hearts and ask the Lord to walk with each of you and bring you healing and strength.
Ormas ans April Stream says
There was never anyone quite like Brent and there never will be. He was our friend and we loved him very much. His heart was to big for his body and he never missed a chance to help anyone that he could. We lost one of the good ones and he will always be remembered in our hearts and in our precious memories of him.
Janet says
RIP Buddy. Ya helped me out of more that one bad spot!
Charleen (Murnin) Wiley says
Although it has been many years since I have seen any of the Murnion’s, I have several found memories from visiting the Murnion ranch as a child. I was sad to hear of Brent’s passing. I will keep all of the family in my prayer. God Bless you all.
Don williamson says
Britney my friend I hadn’t seen or heard from you for a long time I’m sitting here now with tears in my eyes I just completed a Facebook search for you and discovered you were gone you were a great friend thank you