Stevenson & Sons Funeral Homes

Serving families in the Miles City, Forsyth, Lame Deer, Broadus, Circle, Jordan and Terry areas for three generations.

For Immediate Help Call
Miles City: 406-232-4457 — Forsyth: 406-346-2311

In Memory Of

Leon B. Shipman, age 76 of Miles City

February 25, 1940 – December 25, 2016

Leon B. Shipman, age 76 of Miles City, passed away on December 25, 2016 at the Holy Rosary Health Center.

Leon was born on February 25, 1940 in Ismay, MT. He was the son of Dale and Hazel (Deeks) Shipman. He attended grade school at Ismay, Kinsey and Custer County District High School. He enlisted in the United States Army in January of 1959. He was stationed in Germany and was able to obtain his G.E.D while in the service until he was honorably discharged in 1962. He started to work for Geo Askin Drilling where he met and married Rayanda Askin on July 19,  1964. Together they raised three daughters: Robbin, Tracey and Kim. Leon started to work for Clarence Schell of Baker in 1962, where he learned the meat cutting trade. They then moved to Circle, Montana for a short while and then on to Casper, Wyoming in 1969 where he worked for Pat Keating at Pat’s Meat Discounter and Frank’s Processing.  Leon would later become owner of Franks Processing.  They purchased Big Al’s Sandwich Joint in 1979 and moved the family to Miles City. In 1980, Leon and Dave Atkinson joined a partnership and purchased D&L Meat Service. He continued to work and grow the businesses until he sold them both in 1995 and worked at Pine Hills as a youth correctional officer. Leon’s favorite hobby was golf. He loved playing cards, golfing and socializing with his friends out at the Town & Country Club. His witty sense of humor and loving nature will be missed by all that knew Leon. His wife, daughters, grand children and family was his most prize possession of all.

Leon is survived by his wife Rayanda of Miles City; daughters: Robbin (Ken) Makelky of Miles City; Tracey Juhl of Miles City and Kim (Russ) Helmts of Miles City; his sisters: Marlene Teeters of Bridger, MT and Connie Boucher of Hinsdale; five granddaughters: Ashten (Cole) Burman of Glendive, MT, Tennell (Jesse) Venn of Miles City, Laiten (Witt) Williams of Sidney, Amanda Makelky of Miles City and Makenna Helmts; two grandsons Kendall Makelky and Dayton Helmts both of Miles City. He is also survived by two great grandchildren Perri Williams and Lincoln Venn. Leon was preceded in death by his parents and a brother Alvie Shipman.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 29, 2016 with the family receiving friends from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. followed by a Vigil at 6:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, December 30, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Miles City. Interment will full military honors will follow at the Custer County Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com. Should friends desire, memorials may be made to Riley Center.

Service Schedule

Family to Receive Friends

4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Thursday December 29, 2016

Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home

1717 Main Street

Miles City, Montana 59301

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Vigil Service

6:00 p.m.

Thursday December 29, 2016

Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home

1717 Main Street

Miles City, Montana 59301

View map

Mass of Christian Burial

11:00 a.m.

Friday December 30, 2016

Sacred Heart Catholic Church

120 N. Montana

Miles City, Montana 59301

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Interment with Full Military Honors

Following the Service

Friday December 30, 2016

Custer County Cemetery

Miles City , Montana 59301

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Service Schedule

Family to Receive Friends

4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Thursday December 29, 2016

Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home

1717 Main Street

Miles City, Montana 59301

View map

Vigil Service

6:00 p.m.

Thursday December 29, 2016

Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home

1717 Main Street

Miles City, Montana 59301

View map

Mass of Christian Burial

11:00 a.m.

Friday December 30, 2016

Sacred Heart Catholic Church

120 N. Montana

Miles City, Montana 59301

View map

Interment with Full Military Honors

Following the Service

Friday December 30, 2016

Custer County Cemetery

Miles City , Montana 59301

View map

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Reader Interactions

Memories

Read the thoughts and memories, then feel free to add your own.

  1. Rayanda and Family we are so sorry to hear about Leon, I always enjoyed visiting with him. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

  3. So very sorry to hear this. I really enjoyed working with Leon and always thought he was a great guy. May you be comforted during this time.

  4. Peace be with you as you say good bye to a special man in your lives. We will be lifting you up in prayer.

  5. Rayanda, Robin, Kim, and Tracey.

    So sorry to hear about your husband and Dad. Our sincere sympathies to all of you.

  7. So sorry for your loss, hoping your many great memories get you through the weeks and months ahead, he was the kindest person and will be missed by many!

  8. We are so sorry for your loss. So hard for us on earth but what a comforting thought that he was able tof spend Christmas with his family and later, Jesus. WI’ll keep you all in our prayers.

  10. Rayanda, Robin, Tracey, Kim, and family, I’m so sorry for your loss. Leon always made me laugh with his humor. I will miss seeing him around. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

  11. We are sooo sorry for your loss. Please know you are in our hearts and thoughts during this difficult time. I will always remember the twinkle in his eye!

  12. To all of the Shipman Family, we are so sorry for your loss. Jim and I always enjoyed our visit with Leon and his wonderful laugh. Leon always had a way of leaving you smiling. Jim and I hold you all in our hearts and prayers.

  13. Rayanda and family, we are so sorry for you loss. We will always remember the good times we shared with all of you over drinks and dinner at the Country Club. Leon always had something funny to share! Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

  14. Rayanda, Robin, Tracey, Kim and Families:
    I’m so very sorry for your loss. Leon always had a smile and a sense of humor. Always remember “When A Loved One Becomes A Memory That Memory Becomes A Treasure”. He will always be a Treasure in your hearts and never forgotten. Cherish your memories as they will help you get thru difficult days ahead. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

  15. We are so very sorry for your loss. Keeping you all in thought & prayer. Sending wishes for your wonderful memories help comfort and guide you through this difficult time.

  17. We are so Sorry for your lose and my heart breaks for all of you. He will be missed May you find comfort during this time.

  19. Dear Rayanda and your beautiful girls and their families,

    Condolences to you all on the passing of your beloved husband and father. Praying The Holy Spirit, the Divine Comforter, will bring you all peace and comfort in the coming days. So many in Miles City are pouring out their prayers and love for each of you. Your shared faith and family will bind you close and sustain you throughout this journey.
    With our sympathy and prayerful support,
    Kim, Kasey, and Kyle Stanton

  20. Rayanda and Family,
    So very sorry for your loss, you all are in our thoughts and prayers.
    Rob & Sherri Schneidt

  21. I just heard the news of Leon’s passing and was shocked and saddened to hear it.
    My most sincere deepest condolences to you and your family. Having lost my husband a year and half ago and my father almost 20 years ago, I can well understand the depth of your loss.
    Leon was always a delight to converse with. He was so positive, kind and upbeat that we looked forward to speaking with him. He had a quick wit and sense of humor. He really was quite hilarious and could sure tell a good story… I first met him when I worked at the Town and Country Club when he was a Junior golfer almost 30 years ago then the past 12 years at Billings Clinic… He was always a character, upbeat and friendly. He truly showed loving kindness to all. I know his loss will be sorely felt.
    My thoughts and prayers to you during this most difficult time.

  22. Tracey and Kim, We are so sorry to hear about the loss of you dad.
    Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your families.

  23. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. We have many fond memories of Uncle Leon; he always made anyone around him feel welcomed and appreciated. All our love to you.

  26. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May you find comfort in cherished memories.

    Denise and Jay Harvey

  27. Dear Rayanda and family,
    My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time and in the days ahead. Cherish the good memories!

  28. We will definitely miss Uncle Leon. I have so many fond memories of him growing up. One of my favorites is when Leon and Sis came to Anaconda with Gary and Bobbi for our wedding in 1988. It was a great time and they had so much fun golfing. Take care and God bless.

  29. Dear Rayanda, Robbin and families,
    We always remember Leon when he turned 55 and we kidded him about becoming the “Speed Limit”, and he replied “Double Nickels!”, so from then on, he was Double Nickels to us when we saw him. What a great guy, fun sense of humor and easy to be with. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
    Jim and Mary Ann

  32. Rayanda ,Jean and I are so sorry for your loss our prayers are with you. We can only cherish the great times we all had with Leon and you during our time as best friends. I can not express how much we will miss Leon. We are here for you if needed

  33. Rayanda and family so sorry for your loss , I’m in Canada until the 3rd but will call you when I get back .. thinking of you. Phyllis Landa

  34. Robin and Ken and family so sorry to hear of your loss. Our deepest sympathy. You are in our prayers
    Marty and Jeanette

  35. I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. Please accept my sincere condolences on Leon’s passing. I regret I never knew Leon, but I do know some of the fruits of his family tree–and a fine tree it is!

  37. We are so sad to hear about our friend Leon. Had known one another for a long time.
    Your are in our thoughts and prayers. He will be missed by so many. Your wonderful
    memories will be one of the best thing to help you through this difficult time. May
    he rest in peace.

  39. Rayanda,Robin,Tracy,and Kim,
    I’m so sorry to hear of Leon’s passing, he was a good man!! Always had a smile on his face, and willing to help out with anything. I hope that the Lord will keep you close and comfort you all during this hard time!! Leon is one man that I can truly say will be missed!!
    Thoughts and prayers, Rick

  40. Dear Sis and family- so sorry to hear of Leon’s passing. Please know that our thoughts are with you during this very difficult time.

  41. So sorry for your families loss. Praying for comfort and fond memories to carry you through this.

  42. Dear Rayanda, Robbin, Tracey, Kim and Families,
    We are so sorry to hear about Leon. The last time we spoke to him was the first time I had ever hear him say he just wasn’t feeling well.
    Leon ALWAYS had time to stop and chat and laugh (he had the best smile)! He would especially BEAM with such pride when I would mention his lovely Girls, Grand-kids, and the two precious Great Grand-BABE’s! He knew he had so much to be proud of!!!
    Cherish all those precious memories and let them sustain your hearts until you meet again in Heaven. God Bless YOU ALL〰Love, Tory & Doug

  43. Leon’s Family, We are very sorry for your loss my heart goes out for all of you Leon was a good friend and Boss. Our Prayers and Thoughts are for all of you Leon will be missed

  44. Rayanda, Robbin, Tracey,Kim & Families:

    My heart goes out to each of you in your loss ! A snow storm is moving into our area so I have decided not to try to come. I will be in Adoration tonight and offer all my prayers for him and your family. My fondest memory of him was dancing and having fun at the Bucking Horse Sale street dance!
    I am sure all your memories will sustain you and that Jesus welcomed him into his loving arms.

  45. Leon was truly a gem and always a joy to be around. Our family will remember him for his zest for life, smile, kind heart and gentle soul. To The Shipman Family, we extend our heartfelt sympathy and prayers.

  47. The family is in our thoughts and prayers. All good memories will help in the days ahead

  48. To all of Leon’s family we are sending our deepest condolences! Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time! Laurie, Duane, Anna, and Bryan Claypool

  50. So sorry to learn of your loss. Leon was a great guy; your fond memories will keep him close. God be with you all.

  51. I’m so sorry to hear this news. Leon was truly one of the greats and will be missed by so many.
    The world will miss his mischievous smile and sense of humor. What a joy he was to work with.
    May you all find peace and comfort.

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