John Daniel Murnion passed away at his home with his family by his side on July 17, 2014, fulfilling his wish to stay at the ranch. His passing was just three hours prior to his 86th birthday.
John D. Murnion was born July 18, 1928 in Jordan, MT. The son of Irish immigrants Patrick and Rose Ellen (Cunningham) Murnion, he entered this world as the second of eight children; Mary Alice, John D., Patricia, Margie, Jimmy, Annie, twins Corinne and Maureen.
The family lived in different places taking their sheep to winter and summer pastures. Because of this traveling, J.D. attended schools in many places including Winnett, Mosby, Hysham, Sanders, and Big Dry School. He graduated from high school in Jordan in 1948. He lived on the Big Dry place with his parents since 1938 and took over when they passed. He was called three times to the draft for service but was never enlisted, once because of a broken leg.After his graduation, he bought a new 1949 Chevy two-ton truck and started hauling livestock, grain, hay and cake. In 1985 he turned the trucking business over to his sons.
J.D. married Mary Alice Dawes in Douglas, WY on June 19, 1956. Together they lived in a sheep wagon and herded sheep during the first few years of their marriage. They were blessed with three children; Patrick DeWayne, James Brently and Mystie Jo. They in turn blessed him with the pride of his life – his grandkids and great grandkids! He was a great husband, father, grandpa and friend.
J.D. had a knack for telling many wonderful and interesting stories with a sparkle in his eye and a flare that will never be forgotten. Many kids around the county can tell you that J.D. was a “Big Tease”. He raised many productive crops and was happiest when working with the livestock. J.D. served on District #10 School Board for 25 years, Director on State and District Rodeo Boards, 4-H Board and had joined the Knights of Columbus when he was 17 and held a 3rd degree lifetime membership. J.D.’s hobby was old cars. He had a 1929 2-door Model A car and a 1929 Model A wrecker truck restored to original. He also had a sheep wagon restored by Vince Marko.
J.D. is survived by his wife Mary Alice of 58 years, sons; DeWayne (Candy) of Jordan, MT and Brent (Sabra) Murnion of Halliday, ND; daughter; Mystie Jo (Mac) Rail of Anchorage, AK; grandchildren; Layne (Autumn) of Jordan, MT, Parker (Bailee) of Bowman, ND; Chase, Tori, Dawsyn and Morgan Rail all of Anchorage AK; great grandchildren, D.J., Rachael Ann and Cole Patrick Murnion; his brother and sisters, Patricia Murnion of Great Falls, MT.; Margie (Bob) Jorgensen of Roundup, MT; James (Betty Jean) Murnion of Canton, TX; Annie Habel of Great Falls, MT; Corrine Nevela of Belt, MT and Maureen (Vince) Marko of Great Falls, MT; brother-in-law Dewane Dawes. Preceding him in death are his parents, sister Mary Alice Currey, brother-in-laws Ray Nevela, Roger Habel, Jack Currey, Bob Dawes, sister-in-laws Sarah Jones, Virginia Edwards, and Alta Menard.
Family will be receiving friends Monday, July 21, 2014 from 3-6 p.m. at the Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Jordan. A funeral service will be Tuesday, July 22, 2014 at 11 a.m. at the Garfield County High School gym. Burial will follow at the Pioneer Cemetery at Jordan. Should friends desire, memorials can be made to any of the following: Garfield Ambulance Fund, Garfield County Health Center, or Jordan Swimming Pool.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Monday July 21, 2014
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Jordan, MT
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Tuesday July 22, 2014
Garfield County High School Gymnasium
Jordan, MT
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Monday July 21, 2014
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Jordan, MT
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Tuesday July 22, 2014
Garfield County High School Gymnasium
Jordan, MT
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Muff Engdahl says
Mary Alice, Dewayne, Brent, Mystie and families,
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. John D was one of a kind. He will be missed by many but his memories will forever be in our hearts. Love to you all during this time of sadness and sorrow.
Dodie Paxson says
It is with a heavy heart that I write this! My heart aches for you all as you face the loss of a dear man! He was a true Irishman, gentleman and family man all rolled into one! Always a protector who supported his family and friends in every aspect! May you all find peace in the days ahead! I can just imagine the reunion in Heaven and the stories being exchanged! Heaven gained a devoted wonderful man! Hugs, Peace, Love and Prayers to all of you!
Eva Burman says
Praying and thinking of you all. I truly loved this man and all he stood for.
Bob, Francine, Carson & Jaxon says
Our thoughts and prayers are with all the family. I have a lot of great memories from visiting the ranch and Uncle John D always teasing. May all your memories give you comfort in the days ahead. God Bless.
Larry Barnes says
My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. John D. was a great man, and will be missed by all who knew him. I know hes in the right place, and part of him lives on in all of you. Cherish the memories of him forever. God Bless all of you.
Curtis Terrett says
To all of John D’s family, my thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Evie (Zook)DeBock and Jim says
Mary Alice and family ~~ Have not kept in touch but think of you often.. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you.. sending our love, Evie & Jim DeBock
mike Cozzens says
To all of John D family our thoughts and prayers are with you all.Always enjoyed hauling feed to ranch good conversation and cinnamon rolls after unloading.
Glen and Teena Bollinger says
The community has lost a great man. Our thoughts and prayers have been with you all these past few weeks. Our deepset sympathy to all the family. God Bless!
Glen and Teena
Barbara Dawes Carranza says
Aunt Mary Alice and Family – all of you are in our thoughts and prayers and we love you so very much. Do wish we could be there with you. Love Barbara, Chris, Lara and families
Phil and Darlene Shawver says
Mary Alice, Dewayne, Brent, Mystie and families . Condolences and prayers are being sent to you. Our community has lost a great pillar . He will be missed by all of us. It is never easy to loose a loved one so if there is anything we can do to make this sad time easier for you we are here and would like to help , May God Bless all of you.
Lloyd and Linna McKinney says
Mary Alice and Family, Condolences from Lloyd and Verne. We both have you all in our thought’s and our sympathy goes to the whole family. The good Lord has a wonderful helper in Heaven. God Bless .
Donald & Betty Lou Weeding says
We lost one of the best neighbors anyone could ask for. It was never too cold, blizzardy, or late at night, for him to come to the aide of any neighbor in need. We will really miss him. RIP
Calvin & Diana Thomas says
Mary Alice & family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts & prayers are with you.
Debbie Weyer says
So Sorry for your loss. God got another good rancher & good man. Let him watch over him until you all can be reunited. My deepest condolences to you all.
Brooke Currey Frieboes says
Always a kidder and looking for the big story. Pulling people’s leg and having us look for the Easter Bunny. I have a smile thinking about you and have to say I think you gave yourself a heck of a birthday present, a meeting with your sister and the good man! I will remember all the fun times of you leading me to think we were lost when we were just over the hill from the house and searching for that golden goose egg at Easter. Oh the memories, I hope family is able to keep those good memories close to help as you now can rest in comfort once more.
Loves, from the Currey Family
ken and kathy south says
Mary Alice. , and family, want you all to know you all are in our thoughts and prayers, so sorry for your lose John D will be missed,I will always remember his hardy laugh and awesome stories , he was a good man.
Loretta Gribben nee Cunningham says
Deepest sympathy to you all at this time of great loss and sadness. Your loved one will always be near. Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to hold in your hearts. Great memories here in Ireland of a lovely man who visited with us and visited his mother’s home place which was also my home place. How wonderful to spend time with Maureen Stacy Brandon and Megan here on Ireland yesterday and recall good and precious memories of John D. May his gentle soul rest in peace. Heartfelt sympathy Loretta James and Maria Gribben Ireland
J Johnson says
My sincere condolences to the family of John Daniel Murnion – I am sorry to hear of your loss. May you be comforted by the “God of all comfort” who promises to “comfort us in all our tribulations” (2 Corinthians 1:3, 4). I hope you find peace in many Bible promises (John 17:3).