Wayne Woodman Morford, age 92, of Miles City passed away on Friday, January 24, 2025 at the VA Community Living Center in Miles City.
Wayne was born to Woodman and Fern Morford in Torrington, Wyoming on June 4, 1932. There he joined his two older sisters, Delores and Vivian. Wayne grew up on an irrigated farm near Torrington, and in 1945 his family moved to a small ranch outside of Sheridan, Wyoming. While growing up, Wayne was active in school sports, especially football, track, polo, and high school rodeo. After graduating from Sheridan High School, he worked at a local ranch for a short time and later joined the US Navy in 1951. He served until 1955 with his last duty station being aboard the aircraft carrier, the USS Wasp.
In 1951, after graduating boot camp, Wayne married his high school sweetheart, Jacqueline (Jackie) Austin. They moved to Norman, Oklahoma where he attended various US Navy aircraft and leadership schools. While at Norman, they welcomed their son, John Wayne Morford in February of 1954.
After leaving the Navy in 1955 and working a few different jobs including being the herdsman for a purebred Hereford ranch in Story, Wyoming, Wayne accepted a job in Gillette, Wyoming with W.J. Brown and Son (LO Cattle Company) in 1956. In 1960, the Gillette ranch sold and the entire operation moved to Sand Springs, Montana, where it remains in the Brown family to this day. He stayed with them for more than 20 years as their foreman. At one point, while Wayne was foreman, the ranch was running over 6,000 head of cattle on 300,000 leased and deeded acres over 2 states. He had 125 water wells to maintain and calved over 500 head of two-year old heifers every spring. Also during this time, in 1964, Wayne and Jackie expanded their family and adopted a baby girl, Katherine.
In 1977, Wayne left the LO Cattle Company and went to work for the former Attorney General of Alaska, running two ranches at Broadus and Roundup, Montana. After a couple of years, the owner sold the ranches and Wayne was hired by John Scott to be foreman on his Powder River holdings which included four ranches, running 4,000 head of cattle.
After his time working for John Scott, Wayne was looking at semi-retirement and moved to Miles City where he was “talked into” being the yard foreman at the Miles City Livestock Commission by then owner, Wes Tibbetts. He stayed there through the ownership change and was involved with many huge cattle sales and was in charge of the livestock crews for the World Famous Miles City Bucking Horse Sale for several years.
Wayne spent his entire life being involved with and promoting the cowboy way of life and his support of youth took many forms. From being a long time 4-H leader, a school board member, to a High School Rodeo State Director, and many other posts, Wayne was a mentor to a multitude of young men and women.
Wayne was also a great horseman and raised many tremendous horses. From rope horses, to working cow horses, to performance horses, he was known all over the area for his horsemanship and quality of horses he raised. There is a saying that “a man only gets one really good horse in his lifetime”. Wayne was lucky and talented enough that he had several. Custer, Wounded Knee, Donkey, Connie Bay and Cowboy were a few of his standouts. He had a couple of top notch mares and raised many nice colts which he offered to the public via various horse sales. His long time involvement with the Sage Riders in Miles City saw him elevate that organization by being involved in the many horse events.
Wayne was also successful in tie down and team roping in the rodeo arena throughout his life. Wayne made the Old Timers National Finals three separate times in both events where he finished in the top 15 in the Nation. He was a major influence on many young ropers.
Wayne was blessed with many companions in his life. He and Jackie were married for nearly 24 years, from being high school sweethearts to raising their family. In 1973, he met and married Jean Fleming. Later, he married Mila Hopkins, sharing their love of horses and travel. In his later years, Wayne and Jan Alexander enjoyed years and years of adventures together until Jan’s death in 2024.
One of Wayne’s proudest moments came in 2024 when he was inducted into the Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame. He lived his entire life as a cowboy. Wayne was so honored that others, especially his peers, thought of him in an honorable and admirable way that they would bestow such a distinction upon him. He was a true cowboy!
Wayne was rewarded in life with many, many wonderful friends. While he outlived most of them, he also left many here. To Gary Anderson, Billy Dutton, Jack Witcher, and Emmett LaBree, Wayne’s family thanks you so much. Wayne treasured all of your friendships. He also loved having coffee with his friends at the 600 Cafe where the waitresses all treated him with kindness.
Wayne was a proud and avid supporter of his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He traveled far and wide to attend many school and athletic events. He was quick to share all their accomplishments to many.
Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, Woody and Fern along with his sisters, Vivian (Marvin) and Delores (Ralph). His daughter-in-law, Rita, preceded him in death along with several other relatives. He is survived by his son, John (Debbie) and daughter Katherine Ferguson Dowlin (Robin). He is also survived by grandsons Chris Morford (Marissa), Kelly Morford (Patricia), Jason Hill, and Dustin Ferguson. He leaves granddaughters Sara Holliday (Lester Meeks) and Brittany Ferguson. His great-grandchildren include Greyson, Emery, Rowan, Reeves, and Arie Morford; Drake and Hayes Morford; Lauren Swindlehurst; Mars Hill; Aaron Baillet and Colter Ferguson. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
The Morford family would like to extend our warmest regards to the entire staff at the Veterans Community Living Center in Miles City where Wayne lived at the time of his death. Their care and compassion were second to none and we will be forever grateful.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 30, 2025 at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home with family receiving friends from 4:00-6:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 31, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Military graveside services will follow in Eastern Montana State Veteran’s Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Miles Community College Rodeo Team.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday January 30, 2025
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Friday January 31, 2025
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Graveside Service with Full Military Honors
Friday January 31, 2025
Eastern Montana State Veteran's Cemetery
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday January 30, 2025
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Friday January 31, 2025
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Graveside Service with Full Military Honors
Friday January 31, 2025
Eastern Montana State Veteran's Cemetery
Miles City, Montana 59301
Share
Deb Jerrel says
What an icon. Another great cowboy rides off into the sunset. My condolences to the family. He was one of a kind❣️🙏
Curtis and June Fillafer says
Kathy and Morford family. You are in my thoughts and prayers during the difficult times ahead. Wayne was an individual who always brought joy and happiness to all who were fortunate to be in his company. I can’t begin to tell you of the many decades of pleasant memories I had with the Morford family. Wayne I’m so sorry to see you leave us. God Bless you in heaven. My thoughts and prayers to all of you as you go through this very difficult period of loss and mourning. May God, bring you comfort and fill you with peace.
Diana Elwood says
My condolences to all of Wayne’s family and friends, he will be missed. God bless.
Lynda Johnston says
Wayne was a huge influence in my life as a 4-Her. He taught me a lot about judging animals and taking care of them. He mentored so many and was a wonderful 4-H leader. I appreciate all he did for Garfield County 4-H and the Eager Beavers 4-H club.
Ward Anderson says
You were one of a kind Wayne me and my family are going to miss you
Rhonda Sanford says
I am so sorry for your loss. Wayne was a wonderful man who always brought a smile to your face and a good laugh to those around him… he had many great stories and was very happy with his life. I had the privilege of getting to know him and feel very Blessed for it. God Bless you to the family in this sad time. He will never be forgotten.
Lynn and Connie Weishaar says
Our sympathy to the Morford family. Wayne was such a polite and classy gentleman. We remember how he loved, knew and raised a good horse. He was such a complement to the Black Hills Stock Show and it was a privilege to do business with him. We so enjoyed meeting him and Emmett at the 600 for breakfast and listening to their stories…. BS or not. Our condolences and prayers.
Stacie Miller says
I’m so sorry to see this. He was such a wonderful man. One of the first people I met in Miles City before we ever moved here. So kind and funny. He will be greatly missed. Prayers to his entire family
Kendra Walker says
Wayne was an amazing man! I always enjoyed waiting on him at the 600 cafe early in the morning! I will miss him dearly! Thoughts and prayers are with you all!
John E Johnson says
Wayne was one of those special people that always made you feel good to be with him. A good cowboy, good horseman, but most of all a good person. I always enjoyed having the opportunity to sell a horse for Wayne. I am glad that Wayne got to live a long and satisfying life. May the memories of those times give comfort to those closest to him. RIP Wayne.
D'Ann Witcher says
Many great memories of your dad, John. He will be missed by many. A true cowboy, that’s for sure. Prayers for comfort.
Tia Aye-Schell says
It was honor caring for Wayne, even if it was only for a short time! What an icon he was too! May he rest in peace.
Shawna Jerrel Rothaus says
My deepest sympathy goes out to the Morford family during this very difficult time. My parents, Ray and Peg Jerrel, thoroughly enjoyed their friendship with Wayne through many, many years. He brought so much joy to the world wherever he went. Wayne will be missed greatly.
Cindy Stanton & Family says
My sincerest sympathy to the entire Morford family. Wayne was a man of great integrity who will be missed by many. Here’s to a life well lived! May the Lord give you all comfort and peace during this time of sadness.
Curtis and Kate Terrett says
So sorry for your loss. Always enjoyed our visits.
Hoss & Crissy Johnson says
What an honor to have met the man. Oh,the stories he could tell. Rest in peace, Cowboy.
‘You Bet’
Stacy Schied says
So sorry to all of You!! I have such fond memories of Wayne… Kathy & I gave him a bit of that grey hair! And John too- as I believe he found the smoke filled cab after we went spot lighting one night 🫤…. I believe it was Jim Michales ? Who found us & flew us back after Kathy’s horse ran off when she went to open a gate… I forget where we were headed🫤🫤. On a better note, I loved Connie Bay & Donkey Ears! Big hugs to all of You! Stacy
Ron / June Tibbetts says
Another Icon in the community gone . We sure will miss him so many great memories. Always enjoyed visiting and listening to Wayne’s stories🙏🙏🙏🙏
Ron & June Tibbetts says
So sad to hear of Wayne’s passing. We will sure miss him. So many good memories & stories …A true icon
Jenny Frady says
I so sorry about your Kathy, I hope the in God heal hand may he bless you
Darla Wier says
Morford family,
You are in our thoughts and prayers, so many fun memories of the times that our family got to spend with your dad and grandpa. He was quite the jokester, and brought many a good laugh.
Lynn Holland says
Morford Families
Sorry to hear this. Another cowboy and horseman gone. He had a good eye for a good
horse and raised good ones. Watched Wayne sort heifers at Ray Jerrel’s on Cowboy and
Cowboy had him hanging in mid air. John and I were trying not to let him see us laughing,
and he told us we better not laugh in kind words, lol. All three of us had a good laugh.
Worked with him at the sale barn. Good man and good friend. He will be missed.
So long and RIP Wayne
Dannette Cremer says
I first got to know Wayne when he worked as a Ranch Realtor at W A Mitchell Agency. He was a character then and could spin a story like no other – he loved joking around. He and Jan would go to MCC Basketball games and I made sure I would visit them between games or at half time. He lived a good life and will be missed by many.
May you keep his memory close to your heart
Dannette and Craig Cremer
Sally Fitch Ness says
John and Kathy and family’s I’m so sorry for your loss. Your dad was one of my favorite people in my life.(I think I had a little crush when I was 7 or 8) He always had time and patience for all the 4H kids and time for a cocktail and tales when we grew up. He will be greatly missed. Always loved to see him around town and loved to shoot a little s… about Jordan. Loved him lots and will miss him dearly.
Beverly Haynes says
Condolences to John and family. Thoughts and prayers for comfort and peace in the loss of Wayne. He had such a great sense of humor.
I have fond memories of gardening on his property south of town. He was a good friend to Gary.
God bless and be with your family.
Howard A Pippin says
Wayne was such an important part of my sister’s life, we are deeply saddened by his passing. He was a real friend to her entire family. Rest in peace old cowboy, may you and Jan ride together for ever.
Howard and Carol Pippin