Walter Franklin “Junior” Oxford was born at Baker MT on March 27, 1947. Junior passed away after a short hospitalization at St. Vincent Healthcare on April 20, 2021.
Junior’s early years were spent at the family ranch near Ekalaka where the family lived in the rock house that was built by his grandfather and great-uncles from rocks quarried in that area. He always had a fondness for Ekalaka and loved visiting relatives there. He was always delighted when he could talk to someone that knew about Ekalaka and asked almost everyone if they had ever been there!
When Junior was still quite small, the family moved to Miles City for a few years. They then spent 25 years living at the state highway section house near Ismay where his dad, George Oxford, was the section man. He also lived in Plevna for a few years where he made many friends. He was especially fond of the Vennes family and considered them family.
Junior moved with his parents to Miles City in 1982 and again he made many new friends and enjoyed the “big city” life. He spent many hours sitting in the backyard and watching to see what was going on in the neighborhood. He loved when friends and relatives came to visit and always looked forward to holidays, especially Christmas and his birthday!!
When both of his parents were gone, Junior moved to Highgate Assisted Living in Billings and then to BellaTerra Healthcare. He soon became a favorite of all the caretakers! He enjoyed visiting with other residents and knew each of his caregivers by name, how many pets they owned and what the pets were named.
Junior is survived by his brother, Doug Oxford (Bonnie) of Billings, his sister, Kay Wells (Dick) of Rosebud Creek and the following nieces and nephews: Denny Wells, Dean Wells (Amy), Kristy Wells Flesch (Bob), Eijai Oxford, Kassia Oxford Lyman (Donnie) and Madison Oxford. Great nieces are: Kylee Wells, Sarah Flesch, Adie Flesch, Addaleigh Lyman and Avanna Lyman.
Junior was preceded in death by his father, George Oxford, his mother, Wilma Oxford, and his sister, Penny Leigh Oxford and numerous aunts and uncles.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 24th at 2:00 at the Stevenson’s and Sons funeral home in Miles City. Internment will take place at the Custer County Cemetery.
The family wishes to thank the caregivers at BellaTerra for their wonderful care. We are thankful for their love of Junior, especially this past year while the family was unable to visit because of Covid restrictions. You will always have our deepest gratitude!
We also would like to thank Stevenson’s for their compassionate and caring help at this difficult time.
Should friends desire, memorial donations may be made to the Ronald McDonald House in Billings or the Range Riders Museum in Miles City.
Roni Sargent Gordon says
Doug & Bonnie – Love & hugs to both of you. May God wrap His arms around you today & always. LUM!
Dotti Green says
Kay and family,
Extending my deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Scott McIntosh says
Kay, Doug and family,
This is Wilma’s Sister Sarah’s Son, Scott
Some of my best memories in Montana, are just relaxing on Wilma’s front porch, in the swinging rocking chair, with Junior, and talking about the important things in life, like the Ice Cream Truck, the Dairy Queen, and Family.
Condolences to the whole family
Roberta Morgan Rickman says
Kay and Doug,
Wilma was so devoted to taking care of Junior, may it bring some comfort to you knowing they are once again together.
Jim and Annalise Willson says
Dick, Kay, and Doug; We are so sorry for your loss. Jim always remembers when his family was at Locate, Mt. several times your family would come in also for a refreshment of some kind. we hope you can keep the good memories of good times on the Powder River to help you through this sad time. Annalise always enjoyed spending weekends with you at Ismay during your high school years together.
Love and Prayers
Jim and Annalise Willson
Marilyn & Jim May says
Dick, Georgia & family… we send our love & sympathy to you. May special memories fill the lonely times.
Jimi Lou and Gary Woodard says
Georgia and family
So very sorry for your loss. Many memories of all your family many years ago.
Merrilyn Jones says
I will always have fond memories of my cousin Junior. He called me Maral. After I went away to college, married, and moved to AZ I didn’t get to see him very often. My visits with Aunt Wilma, and Junior had lapses of many years. When I did visit he would look at me carefully and say, “Yup, you are still Maral”. He was a sweet, wise, gentle person, and the heart of his family who he loved dearly. My love and prayers for the family. I know Junior will be greatly missed.
Roberta M. Cauthron says
I was just thinking about your family recently. We lived next door to each other when you were on Atlantic, and occasionally I used to take care of the three of you. Your mom taught me how to sew doll clothes on her old treadle machine. It’s been a long time, but I haven’t forgotten the family. My condolences.