Delmar L. Carey
courtesy photo
Delmar Carey
CHARLO — On Sept. 15, 2014, a cowboy rode through the pearly gates and out onto the green pastures of heaven.
Delmar L. Carey came into this world at the family home in Charlo, on April 2, 1944. The eighth of nine children, he was born to Paul and Leona Stockton Carey.
At a very young age Del was badly burned in a accident at home and spent nearly a year at the Shriners’ Hospital in Spokane.After recovering, he went back to school at Charlo School where he graduated in 1963. After serving in the U.S. Navy, he returned home to help his father run the family grain elevator in St. Ignatius. At about this time, he met the love of his life, Frances Lee. The two of them dated for several years and were married on April 13, 1968. During this time the elevator was sold and Del went to work at the Pack River Mill, then the Plywood Mill in Polson. Upon closure of the plywood mill, he went to work at the Plum Creek Sawmill in Pablo where he retired as a foreman. In February of 1970 their son Dion was born. A few years later Del and Fran started buying the family ranch from his parents where they resided until his passing.
Delmar was an avid horseman, cattleman, and rancher. He also had a passion for motorcycles. He was a hard man on the outside but soft on the inside. He always put his family first, his friends second, and himself third. He was the last to ask for help but the first to offer it.
On May 14, 1994, Delmar and Fran’s son Dion married his sweetheart, Kandy Hennelly of Billings. On Dec. 29, 2009, a new chapter in Delmar’s life began with the role of “Grandpa” as his only grandchild, Dalton Carey, was born. From that point on his life revolved around that little boy.
Many will dearly miss him and his wit and sense of humor will not be forgotten.
His parents, Paul and Leona Carey; sisters Dorthy Lee LaPorte and Donna Mae Freeman and brothers Doyle Carey, Dale Carey, Dennis Carey and Don (Duane) Carey precede him in death.
Delmar’s wife of 46 years, Frances Carey; their son, Dion Carey; daughter in-law Kandy Carey; and grandson Dalton Carey, survive him. His sisters Darlene (Edwin) Haats and Deanna (Dave) Winebarger as well as numerous nieces and nephews, and a very tight group of friends also survive him.
Services have been held. Condolences may be left at: www.fosterfhandcrematory.com.
