Vernon A. ‘Red’ O’Leary, age 89, of Helena

Vernon A. O’Leary passed away suddenly Thursday, July 31, 2014 of natural causes at his home.

            At the time of his passing he was not surrounded by his loving family as we did not know his plans for the day!!

            Red was born on January 20, 1925 in Davidson, Oklahoma to Hugh and Altha O’Leary. He was known as Avery or Red to his family and friends. His father was a well-known gambler, moonshiner, bootlegger and professional fighter. As a result the family moved often to various parts of Texas. Red was especially proud that his Dad had also worked with the wild cat oil fields.

            Red lived thru the Depression and Dust Bowl era in total poverty. He and his siblings seldom had shoes and often went to be hungry. As a young man, he vowed his children would not experience the same deprivation.

            Red joined the US Marines in December 1942. He was eventually assigned to the 2^nd Marines and shipped out to the South Pacific. He experienced combat at Tarawa and Saipan – and was severely wounded at Saipan. At the end of the war, he was part of the Occupation Forces at Nagasaki serving within nine days of the atomic bomb. It was years before the government admitted Red had suffered radiation exposure.

            After returning home in 1946, he followed his family to Montana. He worked a variety of labor jobs until he was hired as draftsmen by the Montana State Highway Department in 1949. Red’s Formal education had not gone past the 8^th grade, so he spent his lunch hours and evenings completing correspondence courses and being tortured by professional engineers. He eventually rose to become a Senior Highway Design Engineer and was proud that he was the “boss” of college educated engineers. He retired from the Highway Department in 1983.

            It was during the post-war years that Red and his brothers participated in Golden Gloves Boxing and were known as the Fighting O’Leary’s. They traveled throughout Montana participating in boxing matches. He had a lifelong love of boxing and pride in his brother’s boxing accomplishments.

            Red’s fondness of antiques and collectibles began around 1965. After retirement, he began collecting full time. He amassed an enormous collection of antique bottles, farm implements, and tools and mining/assay equipment. He was well known for the size and uniqueness of his collection.

            Red married Donna Black on July 1, 1951. They have two children, Kittie Ann and Kenneth “Rusty”.   His children had shoes and never went to bed hungry. They also lived in the same home for most of their childhood.

            Red loved doing genealogy research and often felt that he had “met” his ancestors thru his work. We’re certain they welcomed him into Paradise. Much to the chagrin of his sisters, he recently discovered part of his ancestry included the Cherokee Nation and his in the tribal rolls.

            He spent many years serving on the Honor Guard for veteran’s funerals. He was actively involved in the Marine Corp League and was devoted to their Toys for Tots program.

            He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers – Hugh Jr. (Tex), David, Dean, Earl (Coconut), Darrell and sister, Mary.

            He is survived by his wife of 64 years and his two children. He has 7 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. He has one surviving brother (Curley), four sisters (Jimmie Lee, Esther, Jeanette, Sharon) and many close cousins, especially Dan and Charlie.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 6, 2014 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home. A Funeral is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Thursday, August 7, 2014 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home with burial at Forestvale Cemetery after the service with Military Honors. A Reception will follow the burial at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home Banquet Hall. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations to the Marine Corp. Toys for Tots Campaign; please bring a new toy to the viewing and/or funeral service; A Toys for Tots barrel will be available.

Service Schedule

Family Receiving Friends

6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Wednesday August 6, 2014

Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home

3750 N. Montana Ave.

Helena, Montana 59602

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Funeral Service

1:30 p.m.

Thursday August 7, 2014

Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home

3750 N. Montana Ave.

Helena, Montana 59602

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Burial with Military Honors

After the service

Thursday August 7, 2014

Forestvale Cemetery

Forestvale Rd.

Helena, Montana 59602

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Reception

After the burial

Thursday August 7, 2014

Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home Banquet Hall

3750 N. Montana Ave.

Helena, Montana 59602

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