Wilbur T Whanger

MISSOULA — Wilbur Thomas Whanger, 96, of Missoula passed away on Thursday, Jan. 11, 2018, of natural causes at Grizzly Peak.

He was born on Oct. 5, 1921, to Frank and Glenna Whanger in Ronceverte, West Virginia. His parents were very religious and instilled a strong work ethic into him. Those values carried him throughout his life.

On June 18, 1946, he married the love of his life, Marilyn Caines at her parent's home in Buckhannon, West Virginia. He received his B.A. from West Virginia Wesleyan and attended seminary school at Garret Evangelical Seminary. After serving at the Belmont Church in West Virginia, they transferred to the Montana Methodist Conference in 1952 where he pastored the churches of Fromberg, Edgar and Boyd. He also volunteered for the local fire department. In 1961, they moved to Sidney and he pastored the Lonsdale Methodist Church. While there, the new Sunday School edition was built.

In 1969, the Yellowstone Conference Bishop asked Wilbur to serve as the District Superintendent for the Great Falls District where he served for six years. At Great Falls, he served on the board at the Deaconess Hospital. After that, he pastored the Epworth Methodist Church from 1975 to 1978. He served on the board at the Flathead Methodist Camp and was instrumental in the building of the new dining hall. From there, Wilbur pastored churches in Laurel, Fort Benton/Carter and Ronan/Charlo before retiring in 1989, making Missoula their home.

Since the ministry was his calling, he couldn't turn down the opportunity to serve churches at Plentywood and Glasgow. He also served as the guest preacher at several churches in Western Montana and at Grizzly Peak in Missoula. It is ironic that Wilbur moved into Grizzly Peak, spending his last few years there.

In his younger years Wilbur enjoyed hunting and fishing and that is what brought them to Montana. He also enjoyed reading and was a great story teller. His family was the most important thing to him. Every summer, the family would pack up the trailer and head back to West Virginia to visit relatives. The family enjoyed many camping trips over the years, including Fort Peck and the Flathead Methodist Camp. Some of the best memories are singing around the campfire at Luccock Park. He loved music, especially the old hymns. There were many bike rides and hiking trips with his daughters. In fact, Wilbur rode his bike into his late 70s.

Wilbur was proceeded in death by his wife, Marilyn; grandson, Justin; sister, Agnes and brother, Merrel.

Survivors include his daughters, Sandy Conover (Ron) of Lolo, Betsy Sims of Columbia Falls, Judy Hoar (John) of Missoula and Tammy Grier of Spokane; brother Buddy of St. Albans, West Virginia; grandchildren, Matt Conover (Delma), Christi Groneman, Bridger Sims and Tim Hoar (Kathleen) and nine great-grandchildren.

A special thanks to Dr. Caldwell, Dr. Berry, Rev John Daniels, Providence Palliative Care, Partners in Home Care Hospice, Randy and Lena Jordan of Grizzly Peak and Phyllis Woirhaye.

There will be a Memorial Service on Wednesday, Jan. 17, at 11 at First United Methodist Church in Missoula with Rev. John Daniels officiating. A reception will immediately follow the service at Garden City Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the Montana Children's Home of Helena or the building fund for First United Methodist Church of Missoula.