John Oral Washington

Visitation: Wednesday, March 23, 2011 from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Broadus.

Funeral services: Thursday, March 24, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons funeral Home in Broadus.

Private family interment: Valley View Cemetery with full military honors.

John Oral J.O. Washington, age 68, passed away at his home in Broadus, MT on Sunday, March 20, 2011 with family by his side.

J.O. was born on October 23, 1942 in Broadus, Montana to parents Robert Oral Washington and Mildred Clare Laurie. He grew up on the family ranch northeast of Broadus. He attended country schools around the Broadus area and attended Powder River High School where he graduated in 1960. After High School he attended college in Missoula for a short period of time until he moved back to the family ranch. After moving back home, he signed with the Army in 1962 and was stationed in Germany. J.O. served in the Army until 1965, when he was honorably discharged. Following his service, he again moved back to the family ranch until he began working in the oil fields where he worked for many years. He met Jackie Talkington and the two were married on September 16, 1978. J.O. and Jackie remained in Broadus after they were married.

In 1986 they purchased the Big Sky Bar, which they owned up until the time of his death. J.O. loved fishing, hunting, boating, camping, branding, building things and spending time with family and friends.

He is survived by his, wife Jackie; her children, Clint (Angie), Loren, Mitch, and LaDonna (Lester); his brother, Robert; his sisters, Charmaine and Laurie; his grandchildren, Tanner, Coy, Kameron, Sara, Dempsi, Loren, Lesli Jo, Jacklynn, Jenny, and Amanda; one niece and numerous nephews, and ten great-grandchildren. J.O. was preceded in death by his parents, Bob and Mildred Washington; his step-son, Dick; his brother, Mike; and his sister, Martha.

Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 23, 2011 at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Broadus, Montana. Funeral services will be on Thursday, March 24, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Broadus, Montana. A private family burial will follow at the family lot at Valley View Cemetery. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences can be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com If friends desire, memorials may be made to the Rich Higgins Memorial Jr. Rodeo.