William Robert Bovee, 87, of East Helena died at home July 4, 2012 from complications of heart disease. Bob was born July 4, 1925 in Angela, Montana. During his early years he lived in Ft. Keogh, then Miles City where he lived until he went into the Marine Corps.
Bob joined the Marines in August, 1943. He was a marine infantryman. He fought in the campaign for Saipan where he was wounded, and then he fought in the campaign for Okinawa where he was wounded again. He received two purple hearts and a Bronze Star for valor in combat. Bob was always very proud of his service in the Marines and was very patriotic. He was truly a great American.
Bob married Dorothy Lea Miller on May 25, 1946 in Miles City. He worked for the State of Montana Highway Department. Bob and Dorothy moved all over the state on various road jobs. They lived in Miles City, Lame Deer, Forsyth, Alzada, Columbus, Malta, Opheim, Scobey, and then moved to East Helena in Nov. 1958. Bob worked out of the Helena office until his retirement in July of 1978.
Bob was very active in the community and spent many hours volunteering. He was a member of the East Helena VFW, Military Order of the Purple Heart, and the Lewis and Clark Veteran’s Council. He assisted at funerals doing Military Rites for Veterans for over 40 years. He was a member of Masonic Lodge #3 for over 50 years. He was also involved with starting the East Helena Rodeo in 1964 when it was sponsored by the East Helena VFW. He was very involved with the Boy Scouts of America, East Helena Easter Egg Hunt, East Helena Recreation Council, and the East Helena School Board.
Bob was a wonderful husband and father who put his family first. He was kind, loving, honest, hardworking, and patriotic. He was a great example to his family. He always had a smile on his face and a joke to tell.
Bob was preceded in death by his son David, daughter Judy, two daughter-in-laws, Terry Bovee and Kathy Bovee, and a granddaughter, Jana Bovee Dues.
Bob is survived by his wife Dorothy of East Helena, sons Greg (Marsha) of Jefferson City, Rodger (Rena) of Burley, Idaho, sister Ruby Annalora of Miles City, many nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great grandchildren who will miss him greatly.
The funeral arrangements are under the direction of Anderson-Stevenson-Wilke Funeral Home. Viewing hours will begin at 12:00 Tuesday, July 10, with the family receiving friends from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Services will be Wednesday morning at 11:00 a.m. at the East Helena United Methodist Church, 50 Prickly Pear Avenue in East Helena. Military rites will follow the service at the East Helena Cemetery. To offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Bob, please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com.
Service Schedule
Service Schedule
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Alisha Belmontez says
I’d like to offer my condolences to Dorothy and family. I am so greatful that we had such a wonderful visit with you, Bobby, Greg, and Marsha on the 4th. It was wonderful to see Uncle Bobby have such a great time on the Madison River one last time. I have many fond memories of Uncle Bobby telling jokes around the campfire. He will be missed.
Ginger & Joe Weiss says
Dear Aunt Dorothy & Family, we are so sorry for your loss. Uncle Bob was one of my very favorite people and will continue to be. I have so many wonderful memories of Bob and the Madison River and celebrating his birthdays and his stories he told around the campfires. He also taught me the very first song I ever learned to sing, ‘The Marine Hymn’! He was always so kind to me and my family and was much loved by my children, too. God Bless all of you and enjoy your wonderful memories of him.
Greg and Cathy Kovich says
We are sorry for your loss Greg and family. You are in our prayers and thoughts.
Jay Ramlo says
I thought Bob’s service was very fitting. The music was a big hit for many of us mature citizens. Bob was a friend as well as a source of inspiration to me as a young Highway employee.
Jeremy, Wendy, Abigail, and Audrey Webber says
Our deepest sympathies go out to all of the family and friends who knew this great man. Although we never got a chance to meet we wish we had the chance to learn from this fountian of knowledge and experience. We know he will be missed and not forgotten.
Jim, Sarah, Darton and Easton Fryer says
So sorry for your loss, so thankful that my Mom Marsha was welcomed into the arms of the Bovee Family and was able to know this wonderful Man, William. We will know him in someway through his son, Greg…Thank you for loving our Mom too!
Larry says
So sorry to hear of Bob’s passing, he was a great guy and neighbor!
Lindy Annalora says
Aunt Dorothy and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you all at this sad time. I have some wonderful memories of Uncle Bob, and know you all do, too. Mine center mostly around the time spent each summer on the Madison River, rafting, camping, and celebrating his birthday on 4th of July. I also recall the many happy family gatherings and reunions when we were all together. I smile when I think how he always had a joke, clean or dirty, for any occasion! I will cherish my memories of him and his sense of humor always. Love, Lindy
Mary Rose Bovee says
Aunt Dorothy and family, I am so glad that I got to visit with Bob and Dorothy at Ginger and Joe’s anniversary party. Will miss his sense of humor and quick wit !! So glad he got to go to the Madison River. Love, Mary Rose.
Pat Dietrich says
Sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Patrick & Barbara Goodwin says
It was with great regret that we heard of the passing of Bob Bovee. He was an American hero and our hero. He has forever influenced our lives. To his family we send our deepest sympathy.
Pat and Barbara Goodwin
Semper-Fi
Sandi & Dan Benson says
We’re saddened to hear Bob passed. He was an icon in EH and we always enjoyed talking with him. Both of our Dad’s thought highly of him and they are all together now. May the days ahead bring you peace and understanding. “God Bless”
sandra Stanghill Nachtsheim says
Bob was a person I always enjoyed seeing when in Montana. He was a friend to all our family. He will be dearly missed.
Susan Sabol says
I was very saddened to hear of Bob’s passing…prayers are with you Dorothy and family…
Truman & Judy Bovee says
Dear Dorothy, Roger, Greg and family,
You are in our thoughts and prayers and we pray your cherished memories will guide you through this difficult time. Uncle Bob was a wonderful man and we will always keep him in our hearts. We are so thankful that we were able to visit with Bob one last time on the Madison on his last birthday. Happy Trails Uncle Bob!