Lee Merle McCrea, age 94, of Wolf Point, MT went to be with the Lord on Thursday, October 9, 2014. Lee was born December 16, 1919 on the river bank in a tent at Frazer, MT. His parents Rupert McCrea and Eva (Lingle) McCrea had a family of 2 boys and 5 girls. A sister, Margaret, died at an early age.
The major part of Lee’s meager education was attained at Vida and Circle, MT. At 14 years of age Lee spent summers rounding up wild horses for the Collins Ranch. One summer Lee earned a very nice pony for his work. He traded his prize pony for a small shack to call home for his parents and sisters.
When Lee was 16 years old he became employed at Fort Peck on the dam project. It was there that he later met the love of his life at a country dance in Wheeler. He decided that evening that this was the girl he would spend the rest of his life with. Lee and Virginia Wilson were married on October 13, 1938, at the Methodist Church in Glasgow. They were blessed with two children, Gary and Peny.
After leaving Fort Peck, and at the suggestion of Virginia’s father, the couple bought 320 acres of farm land that bordered the Wilson farm. Lee built a 2-room house near Virginia’s parents who were living on Sheep Creek in McCone County. In 1945 the McCrea family moved to the Charley Smith Ranch near the mouth of RedWater in north McCone County. They managed the property for Smith during the following eight years. At that time the ranch was sold to the McCreas. They farmed and raised cattle for the next 30 years, before retiring and moving to Wolf Point. Their son Gary took over the ranch at that time.
Lee was an avid believer in co-operative enterprise and served as secretary of the Board of Directors of the Farmers Union Oil Co., of Wolf Point, MT for 30 plus years.
Although it was late in life when Lee and Virginia took up the game of golf, it became their main source of entertainment during the summer. They acquired many friends through this pastime.
They were blessed that so many of their extended family lived in or near Wolf Point. Family love and friendship made the declining years more enjoyable. They especially enjoyed their great-grandchildren, traveling to all their sporting events and concerts.
Lee was a charter member of the Wolf Point Elks Lodge 1764 and a longtime member of the First Presbyterian Church of Wolf Point. He was also a member of the Lions Club.
Lee is survived by his wife Virginia, his son Gary (Shirley) McCrea, daughter Peny (Darrell) Delger, grandchildren Kim (Kevin) Frazer of CO, Debra (Gene) Loendorf of Wolf Point, Julie McCrea of AZ, Lisa (Dan) Horsmon of MN, Terry (Vickie) Delger of Wolf Point, great-grandchildren Lee and Loni Loendorf, Zach (Sonya) Delger and Ivy (Donald) Urbaniak, Garrett and Kristen Horsmon, and Justin and Cassie Frazer. Lee was blessed with 3 great-great grandchildren; Emma, Evan and Leo. Lee’s brother, Clayton McCrea, preceded him in death. Surviving sisters are Katy Bollinger, Myrtle DeTray, Della Barger and Claris Rogerson.
Visitation will be 1:00-6:00 p.m. on Friday, October 17, 2014 at the Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel, 102 Custer Street, Wolf Point, Montana. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 18, 2014 at the Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel, Wolf Point, Montana. Interment will follow at the Nickwall Cemetery on Nickwall Rd. in McCone County. Condolences for the family may be left at: www.claytonstevensonchapel.com. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel in Wolf Point is in charge of arrangements.
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M.
Friday October 17, 2014
Clayton Stevenson Chapel
102 Custer Street
Wolf Point, Montana 59201
Funeral Service
2:00 P.M.
Saturday October 18, 2014
Clayton Stevenson Chapel
102 Custer Street
Wolf Point, Montana 59201
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M.
Friday October 17, 2014
Clayton Stevenson Chapel
102 Custer Street
Wolf Point, Montana 59201
Funeral Service
2:00 P.M.
Saturday October 18, 2014
Clayton Stevenson Chapel
102 Custer Street
Wolf Point, Montana 59201
Earlene and Wally Sexton says
McCrea family:
So sorry to hear of Lee’s passing. He always had a smile for anyone he met. Our condolences.
Ron and Sue Johnson says
We are so sorry to hear of Lee’s passing. He was an extraordinary man. May your faith and memories sustain you in the days ahead.
Laura Wittenberg says
Dear Gary and Shirley,
Sorry to hear of the passing of your Father. Sounds like he lived a long and great life. My
thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
God Bless
Gene & Beulah Theroux says
It was with great sorrow that we learned of Lee’s death. Our memories of the good times spent with Lee and Virginia will always have a special place in our hearts. We extend our condolences to the family and will send a memorial to Northeast Montana Health Services Charitable Health Foundation in memory of Lee.
Beverly Evans says
Gary & Peny
We are sorry for the passing of your father and our thoughts and prayers are with your families.
Bev & Warren
Brian Azure, Sr. says
I met Mr. McCrea when I had the pleasure of coaching his grandsons’ tournament basketball team. He was an avid fan and great supporter of the boys’ efforts, and always had a smile on his face as he followed them across the northeast part of Montana. My Condolences to Peny, Debbie, Zach, Lee, Ivy and the rest of his family.
Penny Good Schikora says
Sorry to hear of Lee’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you on the loss of a loved one. I think back of many times of spending time with your family with my folks and many fond memories of Lee.
Mary and Jolyn Dillon says
Our love and sincere sympathy to all of your family. It is comforting to know that we will see our loved ones again. Your family will be kept in our prayers.
God bless you
Mary and Jolyn Dillon
Laurie Stolen Suppes says
Deepest sympathies from Carol Stolen, Lyle Stolen, Laurie & Tri Suppes, Connie & Rolly Hankinson. You were blessed to have Lee in your lives for many years and will have fond memories to tell as a way of keeping him in your hearts and minds. Good Bless
Leatrice Spence says
My sympathy in the loss of your husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. I have cherished the day that I was in charge of counting the steers and heifers at one of the branding at your ranch. It was the first and only branding I ever attended (thank you for inviting me, Deb). I still have, and frequently make, the recipe for Shirley’s Marinated Salad and always tell every person who asks how and from whom I acquired such a delicious recipe. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Kris Sampson says
Peny, Gary and family.
We are so sorry to hear of Lee’s passing. We have wonderful memories of your parents while we lived in Wolf Point. All those years with them at the Presbyterian Church and golfing too. May your memories carry you through this tough time. Hugs for you all.
Love, Bill and Kris Sampson
Sharon and Mark Mattix says
We are thinking of you all and truly wish we could have been there. Lee was a very special man. Love and prayers.
John Skillman says
Virginia,
What a special man! I enjoyed him the few times we were able to visit. He was certainly a loyal and faithful husband. I know God will bring you comfort in this loss. But always He
cares for us and will be your help in these days. Please know we are praying for you and
for peace of heart and mind. John and Sharon