Gerald Lynn Beason, age 74, of Lindsay, Montana passed away on October 5, 2023.
Gerald Lynn Beason was born July 15, 1949, the third son of Mae and Tex Beason. He spent his early childhood with his family on a small cattle ranch along Prairie Elk Creek in north central McCone County where he learned to love and respect nature and its wildlife.
Lynn, the name used because his Grandpa Beason wasn’t fond of the name Gerald, had just started 1st grade at the Prairie Elk School in the fall of 1955. When his dad Tex died in a tragic farm accident, Mae and her three sons were left with no choice but to move to Circle where she could find employment to support herself and her family.
Lynn graduated from Circle High School in the spring of 1967. He was drafted into the U.S. Army after his graduation and trained as a helicopter mechanic. He was deployed to Vietnam where he completed his two-year obligation of duty. After his discharge, Lynn enrolled in an aviation mechanics training program in Denver, Colorado. He was hired as a service tech by a mineral exploration company that was using helicopters for aerial exploration in southern Alaska. He found the cold and wet climate of the Juno area quite uncomfortable, so he moved back to the Circle area, where he purchased the Brockway Bar, which he operated until a fire destroyed the business. Lynn then rebuilt his establishment after buying a more visible property site located along side U.S. Highway 200. He called his new place the Iron – J and continued to do business there for several more years. When Lynn sold his bar, he began doing small construction projects as a building contractor around Circle. As more years passed, working in construction began to take its toll on his knees and ankles, so he decided to find an easier venture. Lynn found the perfect position as a caretaker for an isolated homestead property not far from his hometown. He remained there enjoying the tranquility and beauty of this place until his death. While living on the homestead, Lynn raised chickens and garden produce. He would bring his eggs and vegetables to Circle where he donated them to the Circle Senior Center. This was typical of his kind and generous nature. He was always willing to help if any of his friends or neighbors needed it. He loved the outdoor life and was an avid hunter and fisherman.
Lynn was proceeded in death by his grandparents Ruth and Henry Beason, his mom Mae Beason-Morin, his dad Edgar (Tex) Beason and stepfather Joe Morin. Surviving family members include his brother Bob, niece Andrea and nephews Aaron and Kurt; his brother Ron, nieces Kathy and Kristy and nephew Scott and numerous cousins. He also left behind two beloved pets, 15 year old Molly and 3 year old Happy.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, October 13, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Circle. Interment with full military honors will follow in the Riverview Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Circle Senior Center.
Larry and Sheri Schmidt says
So sorry to hear of Lynn’s passing.
Kathy Aakre Ruddy says
Rest in Peace Soldier.
Don and Nancy Schillinger says
Lynn had many medical issues but never complained and was always friendly to people and his pets. Just a good person.
Kathy Schillinger McGowan says
Lynn was a treasured classmate and friend. And a bit of a jokester now and then! Though I haven’t seen him for many years, he frequently was in my thoughts.
Harvey & Trudy Kirkegard says
So very sorry to hear of Lynn’s passing. He was another classmate who was taken way too soon, and he will be missed. Lynn was always a fun guy to be around, especially during our high school years. May he rest in peace.
Denise (Strand) Stambaugh says
Condolences to all of Lynn’s family. May he RIP. And our memories live long and strong.
Jackie Boysun says
So sorry to hear of Lynn’s passing. He was such a loyal friend. He always helped anyone in need. Sure gonna miss him. My condolences to his family.
Mike Carlson says
A good kind person to all who knew him and he had a heart of gold. He enjoyed where he lived for 30 years and wouldn’t have wanted any other place to spend his life. Despite many medical issues he never let these get him down.
Friendly to everyone, had a great attitude and he had fun in his life. We will miss him!
Dick Moline says
RIP Lynn. I always enjoyed visiting with you–always friendly and just a good person to be around.
Rob Brown says
The first time I met Lynn was the day he started school, in Circle. I wandered out of Mrs. Kogele’s 1st grade room and found him looking for his locker, in the hall. We were friends and classmates, from then on. After high school, we traveled (aimlessly) together, for a time, and then went our separate ways. I always considered Lynn one of my best friends and knew him to be one of the most considerate and thoughtful people I knew. My condolences, to all his family.
RIP Lynn.
Mary Jo (Nerud) Lawrence says
Lynn we a good classmate grade school and high school. Oh yes, he was always looking for pranks. I was on the end more than once.
The worst in Jr. High. I sat behind him. We were in science class one day, I was busy taking notes. He quietly turned around held a rubber coral snake under my nose. Oh my, I let out the biggest squeal. He scared me so bad. The teacher stood up front said MJ what are you doing? I could barely speak. I don’t remember how we got out of that one. He thought that was the best sat there smiling laughing.
Condolences to the family. Lynn just be at peace. As a Vietnam Vet you so deserve a special resting spot in the Military cemetery too.
Roxy Kasten Musser says
Lynn was such a kind person and I will always remember how much fun he was to be around . Condolences to Lynn’s family.
Bonnie (Rees) Meyer says
BONNIE ( REES) MEYER Lynn was a great classmate through High School – We lived on Prairie Elk until I started 1st grade & we moved to Shade Creek- our family was very good friends of the Beason Family- Bob & Ron our thoughts & prayers are with you . We will miss you at our next school reunion.
Bob parker says
i passed thru circle and had the privilege of working for Lynn if you called it work. in the middle of the day we would have to stop work and go catch minnows, or go and work the jerky, or do the smoked turkeys . sorry to of Lynn’s passing.
Della ( Ross ) Howell says
Lynn was a cherished cousin . My family lived outside of Terry and we had several family get togethers each year. It was always a treat when they came as the boys were full of energy! In later years the distance between us limited our time together as I was raising a family in New York. One of my best ( and latest) memories of Lynn was of a rare visit to his home with the large garden, chickens and over 20 cats. One morning I watch him feed the cats on the house steps, walk up to the chicken house and let them out. I made a video of the eager chicken racing each other down to the house eager to clean up after the cats. Chickens are rather funny when they race each other. I still laugh when I watch it, with Lynn walking from place to place talking calmly to them as they followed. He was a gentle soul. His home was filled with peace and he cared for all living things. Especially those he caught to eat. I remember a large water tank where Lynn raised fish. Winter was a problem with that project. He will be missed but the memories will keep him alive for me.
Lila Beard says
Dear Bob, Ron and family,
We are so very sorry for your loss. Just thinking of Lynn joining us for Thanksgiving at mom’s several times through the years. Good memories. May your memories bring you comfort.
All our love,
Lila and Jerry Beard
Cynthia Stanton says
I’m sorry to hear of Lynn’s passing. What a nice guy. He had a great sense of humor and was always so kind.
Teal Dobie says
Kathy & Ron we so sorry for your loss. We’ve been thinking about you guys. Hold the memories close. Love you♡
Teal, Brooklyn & Jax
Sharon (Paulson) Finneman says
I’m so sorry to hear this news. He was such a good friend. I spent many hours on the phone with him talking math. Many hours riding with Mae Joe and Lynn to football games. Very special classmate. The years went so fast. I hope you rest in peace friend. I’m sorry we lost time and friendship. Thank you for your service and thank you for being my friend. You truly were.
Jean Shamley Snider says
Ron, Bob and families,
So sorry to hear about Lynn. He has a special place in my heart. My First grade classmate for half a year! I only had one other classmate for 2 years of my 8 years at Prairie Elk. We reunited as classmates in high school. He looks so much like your dad to me, from memories and photos. He had some of the easy going personality and ways that I recall. He spent one summer at the Wright Ranch and we shared some adventures working cattle and riding horses.
Pauline Gackle says
Beason Family
Our deepest condolences in your loss of Lynn. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family during this time of difficulty.
May the God of peace be on you all!
Kathy Schillinger McGowan says
I’ve been thinking about him all week. When he was in Vietnam, we exchanged letters. Communicating sure has changed since then. I asked him once if there was anything I could send him. He said malted milk balls! I bought one of those cartons of them and sent them. I never heard if they got there but I’ve imagined since what a glob of mess they would have been arriving in that hot, humid climate!
Melita says
I can just hear the tall tales of fishing and the buck that “got away” from Lynn and my dad. I hope you 2 ya hooos are having a good time!
John Brown says
Once again, sadness fills my heart for the death of a dear and good friend. Lynn is a unique presence in my mind and heart for the adventures we shared in those ’70s. He lived with wounds both spiritual and physical from his time in Viet Nam, and we talked a lot about them. We were both fascinated by the unusual, and one of those areas was the effect the pyramid shape would have on the rate of food decay. Yes, there was something to it. Lynn was one of the kindest people I know, and I will miss him. I can feel the vacancy in Bob’s and Ron’s lives and the lives of so many others. My heart goes out to you in compassion and care as we are blessed with the memories left to us.
Tanya Loudon Marchion says
Condolences to the Beason Family.
Lynn was an awesome guy. I worked at the Iron J for him in 75/76. He was a great boss and a great mentor. Had some wild parties in that bar, great dances.
He was a great friend to all who knew him.
Rest in peace Lynn. U will be up there fishing with Mike Mitchell.
susan duzik says
So sorry to hear about Lynn’s passing! We had many wonderful days together, having fun, spending good time on the divide @ his place where he stayed there. I treasure our times together, for sure. Bless his family in this difficult time. RIP Lynn, see you someday on the other side~