Martin S. Behner

-Martin S. Behner, 85, passed away at Community Medical Center on Fri., Feb. 20, 2015. He was born in Missoula on May 28, 1929 to Clifton Otto and Hazel (Erikson) Behner. He was raised in Missoula and attended Old Roosevelt Grade School, Elsinore Navel & Military in California and Missoula County High School. He was also a Boy Scout, Troop 12, rank of Eagle, Junior Assistant Scout Master. He then left school to join the Marine Corps, he was a WWII and Korean War veteran. Shortly afterwards, Martin returned to Missoula to finish his schooling, he played football, boxed and received a Golden Glove Award. He was also in the University M Club and graduated in 1950.
Martin married his high school sweetheart, Mary Lou LePiane on Oct. 16, 1950. Together they had six children; Charles Douglas, Michael Otto (Elaine), Robert Louis, John Martin (passed to the Lord), George Anthony (Candy), and Mary Grace Kibler (Don). Grandchildren include James, Douglas, Catherine, Julia (passed to the Lord), Naome, Brian, Chad, Amber, Cliff, Austin, Jessica, Kyle, Kordale, Kaleb, Katelyn, Nathan, Vincent, Jordan, Tyrell, Elijah, and many many great grandchildren.
Martin worked for the Railroad in Missoula Merc. RR out of Alberton, S.P.S. out of Spokane, Union Pacific in Seattle and Burlington Northern in Missoula. In 1957 he was elected to Missoula County Clerk and Recorder and served two terms. He was a post past president F.O.E. Eagles and a life member. Past Exalter Ruler Elk 383 and Grand Exalter Ruler Missoula – Post District Deputy DDGER. He was also a president of the Marine Corps League and the United Vet Council of Western Montana.
Martin was fondly known as "Splinters", he was an avid bowler and Captain of his Elk bowling team.
We were blessed to have had Martin as a husband, father, brother, grandfather, great grandfather and friend. We will miss him and his loving spirit will be with us forever. A special thanks to Community Medical Center, Hilda's Room and family for their help with Martin.
Visitation will be Sun. March 1, 2015 at 6:00 p.m. with a Vigil starting at 7:00 p.m. at Livingston-Malletta & Geraghty Funeral Home. A funeral mass will be celebrated on Mon. March 2, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church with a graveside service following the mass at the Western Montana State Veterans Cemetery with full military honors.
Condolences and memories may be left for the family at www.missoulafuneralhomes.com

Read Martin Behner's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.