Fred E. Plymale
Sunrise: 6/1/1923 Sunset: 6/13/2011
Fred was born June 1, 1923 the seventh of eight children of Bert and Olive Plymale. He was preceded in death by brothers, Wayne and Laird and sisters, Doris Shearer, Inez Shaw, Ava Madren, and Audrey Quist.
He was raised on a sheep and cattle ranch at Duck Creek north of Townsend. His education began in a one room school house. Education continued in Townsend with graduation from high school in May 1941.
During WW II Fred served in both Pacific and Atlantic theatres. He was a decorated combat veteran. He survived the U Boat torpedo attack of the U.S.S. Plymouth in August 1943. Navy discharged with rating of Chief Boatswain Mate occurred in October 1945.
Fred ranched for many years in the Townsend area. He served as president of the North Crow Creek Grazing Association and served on the board of the Broadwater—Missouri Water Users Association. Fred was a USDA meat inspector for twenty years until retiring.
On January 1, 1948 Fred married Arlene. Arlene preceded Fred in death after fifty eight years of marriage. They have two sons Mike and his wife Marilyn of Absarokee, and Brad of Helena. Also surviving are grandson Kent (Anna) and great grandchildren Ben, Riki, and Kena.
Fred and Arlene moved to Helena in 1968. Retirement came in 1989. Winters were spent traveling the south west and Mexico in their RV. Every summer they enjoyed the many lakes and streams of Montana.
Fred was a member of Townsend Valley Lodge #21, American Legion Post #42, and a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He was a founding member of the Farm Bureau in Broadwater County.
He loved the outdoors with fishing and hunting being life time interests. Friends and family helped harvest his raspberry patch.
Fred is survived by a brother, Hubert of Townsend. Also surviving is hunting partner Ken (Patti) Shearer, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, July 12 at the Townsend United Methodist Church, 265 Main St., with interment to follow at the Fairview Cemetery on Duck Creek with military graveside honors to be conducted by the American Legion Post # 42. To offer condolences to the family or share a memory of Fred, please visit: www.retzfuneralhome.com.
The family would like to extent a special thanks to the staff at Aspen Gardens for the care and friendship to Fred.
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Jim and Meridith King says
So sorry to hear about the loss of your Dad. When I use to shovel your parents driveway they were so kind to me by making me hot cocoa and cookies. He was a good man and will be missed.
Jim and Meridith KingH
Bob and Elaine Graveley says
Mike, Brad and Families- Please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers at this time. Your Dad was a very special man. God bless you all.