Gary Lee McCrea died peacefully at home in Wolf Point on Wednesday, December 11, 2019.
Gary was born at Trinity Hospital in Wolf Point on November 30, 1940, to Lee and Virginia McCrea. He grew up on the family farm in the Nickwall Community of McCone County and attended the Nickwall School through 7th grade. Gary graduated from Wolf Point High School in 1959, where he played football, was editor of the school newspaper “Wolf Talk,” participated in Allied Youth, and was a member of the Dramatics Club and acted in several class plays.
On May 28, 1959, Gary married Shirley Spitzer at Trinity Lutheran Church in Wolf Point. Gary began working for the Montana State Highway Maintenance Department in 1961 and they lived in Glasgow MT for a short time before moving back to Wolf Point in the fall of 1964. Gary and Shirley built their home on Crescent Drive in 1968 and raised three daughters there. Weekends were often spent helping at the McCrea farm.
Gary left the highway department in 1974 to begin working full-time on the farm, enabling Lee and Virginia to vacation south in the winter months. In November of 1983, Virginia and Lee were ready to retire so they moved to Gary and Shirley’s Crescent Drive house and Gary and Shirley moved to the farm.
Gary and Shirley continued raising grain and cattle, expanded the farm property, and also installed several center-pivot irrigation systems on the river bottom fields. Grandson Lee Loendorf began helping on the farm during his high school years. In 2008, Gary and Shirley decided to sell the cattle and lease out the pasture. They greatly enjoyed the new freedom to travel during the winter months and took vacations to Fiji, New Zealand, Australia, Italy, and Mexico, as well as numerous road trips visiting historic and cultural sites throughout the United States visiting friends and family along the way.
After 30+ years on the farm, Gary and Shirley decided to semi-retire and, in 2015, moved closer to town to 7009 NB Loop near the Missouri River Bridge. Grandson Lee Loendorf and wife Erin moved to the farm to become the 4th generation on the land. Gary and Shirley Gary continued to help on the farm as needed and able, passing down his knowledge to Lee.
Gary was an active co-op supporter and served on the Farmers Union Elevator Board for a number of years including serving as director through the merger with Equity Elevator and the formation of Farmers Elevator. Gary also was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church and served many years as president and elder.
In his early years, Gary enjoyed hunting, fishing, and playing cards with good friends, competing and often placing in whist tournaments. Gary was also an excellent dancer and he and Shirley were a common sight on the dance floor. Gary took up golfing in midlife and played both socially and in a men’s league; he especially enjoyed golf trips with family and friends. After moving closer to town, morning coffee with ‘the guys’ jump-started most days. Gatherings with family and friends were an important part of Gary’s life, especially getting to see grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow and follow their activities. Gary inherited his honesty, integrity, and work ethic from his father, Lee McCrea, and was also known for his great sense of humor.
Survivors are Gary’s wife of 60 years, Shirley; daughters Kimberly (Kevin) Frazer of Lakewood CO, Debra (Gene) Loendorf of Wolf Point, Julie McCrea of Tucson AZ: grandchildren Lee (Erin) Loendorf of Wolf Point, Loni Loendorf of Billings MT, Justin Frazer and Cassie Frazer of Lakewood CO; and great-grandchildren Emma and Evan Kawasaki and Jordyn Loendorf of Wolf Point.
Viewing will be Sunday, December 22, from 2 to 6 p.m. at Clayton Memorial Chapel in Wolf Point, and the funeral service will be Monday, December 23, at 11 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Wolf Point. All guests are invited to a luncheon downstairs at the Sherman following the service. At 1:00 p.m. the family will travel to Nickwall Cemetery for burial.
The family would like to thank everyone for their many kindnesses, including visits and gifts, and especially for the numerous calls, texts, cards, and Facebook comments. This outpouring greatly helps ease the emptiness left by Gary’s passing. In lieu of flowers, the family invites contributions to Faith Home, the Wolf Point 100 Club, or Bigger Sky Kids.
Condolences for the family may be left using the form below.
Service Schedule
Visitation
2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Sunday December 22, 2019
Clayton Stevenson Chapel
102 Custer Street
Wolf Point, Montana 59201
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Monday December 23, 2019
Trinity Lutheran Church
103 Benton Street
Wolf Point, Montana 59201
Service Schedule
Visitation
2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Sunday December 22, 2019
Clayton Stevenson Chapel
102 Custer Street
Wolf Point, Montana 59201
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Monday December 23, 2019
Trinity Lutheran Church
103 Benton Street
Wolf Point, Montana 59201
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Laurie Stolen Suppes says
Condolences on the loss of your loved one.
“Though gone from our sight, Loved Ones are never gone from our Hearts.”
Larry Dempsey says
Larry and Earlene Dempsey
Our sincere sympathy to Shirley and family on the loss of Gary. (Rev 21:4). “And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.”
Trudy Fox says
Shirley and Family
My sincerest sympathies to all of you.
Noreen Hohman says
Shirley and Family I’m so sorry you are in my thoughts and prayers
Cam Martin says
So sorry for your loss what a super nice guy,I sure enjoyed my visits with Gary, he truly will be missed by all. Cam & Jodi Martin & girls.
Bill and Kris Sampson says
Shirley, Peny and family.
We just heard about Gary and we’re so sadden by the news. We always so enjoyed Gary and have many wonderful memories of you both. Our condolences and prayers to you all. Bill and Kris
Faye Walton says
Debbie and family. I am so sorry for your loss. Praying 🙏 for you all.
Laura Wittenberg says
Shirley and family,
My deepest sympathy to you all. Thinking of you, brings back lots of pleasant memories and some funny ones too. You are in my thoughts and prayers. May God wrap His arms around you all, with His comfort and peace.
Laura Wittenberg says
Shirley and family,
My deepest sympathy to all of you. Thinking of you brings back pleasant memories and some funny ones too. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. May God wrap His arms around you with His comfort and peace in the days ahead. God Bless.
Laurie Anderson says
I am so very sorry for you loss.
Carol Pilgrrim Nelson says
So sorry for your loss. 🙏🏻 Prayers for you and your family.
scott taylor says
Shirley and Family…so saddened to hear about Gary…..Mom and Dad always had the utmost respect for both of you…Gary sold Dad my first pump-action .22 for $38…as I recall…Why it wasn’t an even $40 was probably that inherent honesty Gary had…he then loaned me his tried and true .300 Savage when my firing pin busted on my rifle so I could get my deer.. I became a literal hunting fool after that..and blame both of them for pretty much ruining me!..Dad and Gary worked together at the Highway Dept.. for years..even to the point of ALMOST freezing to death together… stuck in a truck all night in a raging blizzard with no heat!!….Dad thought the world of Gary….I did too….What a wonderful man…..May the Lord above hold you all tight….Scott and Gail Taylor
Mike Gorder says
Sorry to hear about Gary such a class act Gary always made a point to come and say hi at the golf coarse or at the gala what ever event we were at.
Mike Gorder
Alan says
With sympathy to you Shirley and Family. Gary. Always spoke so highly of you Shirley when ever we hung out. It won’t be easy for you but you are tough Lady, and you have a great Family to help you. He was a True Friend. Take care. Alan and Sandy Knudson
Tom Ault says
Wanda and I extend our sincere condolences for your loss. Gary was a great man! I will never forget our golfing adventures. Gary will be missed by many, including me!
God, you got a good one here, let him play through!
Tom Ault
Gene Fisher says
Shirley and family,
So sorry to hear of your loss. I always enjoyed Gary and he was especially welcoming when I spent time working on his machinery at your place. Your and Gary both were so hospitable. God bless you all.
Sonny and Phyllis says
Phyllis and I are so sorry to hear about Gary, he will be missed.
Mick/Vince Vukelich says
Another classmate gone. Picture is perfect…always remember Gary with that smile/grin. Remember him giving everything on the football field. RIP my friend. Condolences, Shirley and family.
Wanita "Schultz" Stupy says
So very saddened to hear of Gary’s passing and your loss. My deepest condolences to you and your family. So glad we had such a nice class reunion. You have these memories and all you created over the last 60 + years with Gary. Hold on to them and may God Bless and comfort you.
Tom& Lorna Schumacher says
Shirley and family. Sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.May the Lord hold you in his arms during this difficult time. He was a was a great guy! Remember all the great times spent together.I remember all the branding stuff we went to in my younger days💕 Love and prayers to all Tom and Lorna
Ruth Squires-Hood says
So very sorry for your loss. Heaven welcomes a new angel.
Art and Sandra Loendorf says
Shirley and Family
It was with great sadness when we heard about Gary’s passing
I am glad I was able to have a short visit with him in Old Town Grill this fall
our thoughts and prayers are with you
Art and Sandra
Art and Sandra Loendorf says
Shirley and Family
we were saddened to hear about Gary
always enjoyed talking with him and am now glad I had a brief visit in Old Town Grill this fall
Are thoughts and prayers are with you
Art and Sandra
Mike Marshall says
So saddened to hear of Gary’s passing. My parents and entire family always thought the world of Gary and all the McCrea’s since I am a distant cousin, believe my dad and his parents are cousins. I always looked up to Gary and Shirley for their work in our church. Also many fond memories of branding at the McCrea Ranch as well as some scary times fighting grassland fires. I also remember as scott taylor mentioned Gary having a pump 300 savage rifle as dad had one also and he only knew one other person having same model and pump action. It is so accurate as many have said Gary had a big smile and laugh to match a big heart, integrity and honesty. Heaven truly gained a good one. My condolences to Shirley and the entire McCrea family.
Joy Childress says
Juie, I am so sorry about your father. God be with you as you grieve. I wish I had known him.
Judy Lynn Nees Seeley says
Shirley, Peny, and family, I just recently learned about Gary. He was such a nice, friendly person and was such a good “big brother” to you, Peny. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you now and in the days ahead.
Connie Isley says
Although we didn’t see Gary often he was a wonderful cousin. Remembering the great family reunions in Montana! Praying for for the family. The dear Lord bless you and keep you untill we met again.
Claris McCrea Rogerson says
Shirley, Penny and family
Knowing the sad Christmas season this has been for all of you, we join in your grief. Gary was an example of honesty and integrity as was my brother Lee (Gary’s father). We miss having all of you in our daily lives.
Claris McCrea Rogerson
Kennewick, Wa.