Hollis King Lefever
January 16, 1931 – June 25, 2022
Dedicated family man, academic, physician, outdoor sports enthusiast, photographer, Hollis King Lefever passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, June 25, 2022.
Hollis was born in Wichita, Kansas to Edward and Ruth (Hancock) Lefever. He was the middle son with brothers Homer and Max, all of whom were raised in Wichita. He graduated from East High School in 1949 with many music accolades for his trumpet playing, academics and leadership activities. He completed his pre-med degree at Ottawa University, Ottawa, Kansas in 1953, received his medical degree from University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas in 1957 and completed a medical internship at Wesley Hospital in Wichita. In 1963 he became board certified in Family Practice.
While at Ottawa, Hollis met the love of his life, Ruth Anne Tucker who he married on June 11, 1954. Twin sons Paul and Walter were born in 1956 in Billings Montana during a summer visit with family. In 1958, the family moved to Glendive Montana where they enjoyed the arrival of their third son, Stanley in 1959. In 1961 the family moved to Lewistown where daughter Debra was born in 1964. Hollis built a highly successful medical practice in Lewistown and was an active leader for the field of medicine at the local, state, and national level for over forty years.
A lifelong jazz and big band fan, Hollis was an accomplished musician and played trumpet in various bands over the years including the Missouri River Jazz Band which he founded in 1979. In 1996, Hollis and Ruth retired and moved to Canyon Ferry Reservoir where they built their dream cabin near Goose Bay Marina and spent their final years together. Hollis had a passion for photography which created many opportunities for travel throughout Montana. A long life well lived.
Hollis was preceded in death by his beloved Ruthie in 2018, his parents and his brothers. He is survived by his loving family: Paul, Walter (Tuni), Stanley (Cynthia), Debra (Michael) Gill, grandchildren Jessica (Kyle Todd) Gill and Tucker Gill along with nieces and nephews.
Memorial contributions can be made to Central Montana Medical Center Foundation, 408 Wendell Avenue, Lewistown, MT 59457. A private family service is being planned. Arrangements are under the care of Retz Funeral Home, Helena.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Terry McEwen says
I have so many memories of adventures in Central Montana with the Lefevers, very sad to see Hollis pass. For sure he lived life to the fullest. My condolences to Debbie, Stan, Paul and Walter
Mike Crimmins says
I had the honor of playing trombone in the Missouri River Jazz band with Doc for the last years it was in existence. We left Lewistown shortly after they left. Before they moved, Hollis reached a point in his life where he was downsizing his trumpet collection. Our high school daughter was a trumpet player who badly wanted a silver Bach Stradivarius. Hollis made her/us a killer deal on his silver Bach that my daughter still cherishes 20+ years later. Great memories from a great man.
Paul Lefever says
Dad was a dedicated, very knowledgeable, gifted Physician. In retirement he truly loved his photography and spending family time. His love of jazz and Big Bands music carried through in his entertaining Trumpet.
To quote a commemorative pillow in their picturesque abode by the bay and location of their retirement:
Heaven seems a little closer in a House beside the water.
Hollis you have clear sky and no waves and the trout are biting. You enjoyed your best friends and brother in many fishing and hunting trips. Farewell to a long life well lived. Rest in peace.
Edna wurz says
My condolence to the family I am Edna Andy and Katie’s daughter from Deerfield colony I remember him and Dad’s fishing trips and rattlesnakes adventures the day he thought dad how to remove a fishing hook from your hand and he was Dad’s first patient dad had caught him in the lip. Dad,mom, Linda, and Esther have all passed away. Doc Lefever and Ruth RIP
Mark Gooby. Ipswich, MA says
Hollis was an inspiration to me not only as a photographer, but as fellow traveller to the best Montana had to offer. Hollis shared his knowledge and passion for our craft with me on dozens of phone calls, emails and visits with he and Ruth on my visits toTownsend. His fortitude and unending search for knowledge were just two of the many qualities I admired about Hollis.
And I consider myself among the fortunate who knew him over the years and particularly blessed when he called me a few weeks before he passed to say goodbye.
I will always treasure our friendship. And even though we lived thousands of miles apart, our love of photography and the Last Best Place: Montana, his friendship will forever be his greatest gift to me.
Patty Martin says
It seems that I am so late in writing this. It was in 1992 that I met Dr. LeFever, in the worst of circumstances. I was called at about 3 a.m. with the dreadful call any parent dreads. Our daughter, Deana, was out with friends about a week before leaving for college. She called to say not to worry that she would be late. She left on her bicycle so I thought nothing about it…until 3:00 a.m. She had been transported to CMMC. She was in critical condition with several breaks in her young body. Worst of all was a traumatic brain injury.
Dr. LeFever had her air lifted to Billings. He had her stabilized, but, promised nothing. Because of all his efforts, she is now 50 years old and can hold down a job; in spite of being told she would probably never be able to be gainfully employed. She was in Craig Hospital in Colorado for the majority of her rehabilitation.
I will NEVER forget the last time I spoke to him. Deana and I drove into our driveway. Dr. LeFever was walking out by his trees on Sunset St. They lived across the street from us. When I asked Deana, who was walking with a cane, if she wanted to meet the Dr. who saved her life; she said yes. She was very dysarthric, but did say; “thank you for saving my life”. Dr. Lefever got tears in his eyes and said, “you’re welcome” and gave her a hug.
I’m forever grateful!
Sincerely, Patty and Dean Martin