John Everett Bumgarner, a beloved resident of Great Falls, Montana, passed away on July 26, 2020, at the age of 87. Born on October 14, 1932, in Great Falls, Everett lived a full and meaningful life, deeply rooted in his community and family. While no formal funeral services are planned at this time, his memory will be cherished by all who knew him.
Everett was the youngest of five children born to Gena and Clarence Bumgarner. He grew up in a close-knit family alongside his siblings Barbara, Eleanor, Russell, and Shirley, all of whom he held dear throughout his life. His formative years were spent in Belt, Montana, where he attended school from his early years through to his high school graduation in 1950. Following his graduation, Everett answered the call to serve his country, enlisting in the United States Army. He served with dedication from 1952 to 1954, during the Korean War, demonstrating his commitment to duty and service.
Returning from his military service, Everett embraced life back on the family farm, working alongside his father and brother, Russell. It was during this time, at a dance in Raynesford, that he met Vernelda Hedrick. Their connection deepened over dinner at the Black Diamond Cafe in Belt, sparking a romance that blossomed into marriage seventeen months later. Everett and Vernelda were married in Stanford on June 10, 1956, embarking on a life journey together that was centered around faith, family, and the land.
Together, Everett and Vernelda built a life deeply intertwined with the land, farming and raising cattle and pigs. Everett’s life was guided by his unwavering faith, with the Bible serving as his constant companion and moral compass. He lived by the principles of Philippians 2:3, valuing others above himself, a trait evident in his actions and interactions with those around him. He regularly visited care facilities, bringing joy through song as a member of the church choir and at various community events. Everett played a vital role in establishing the Belt Community Church, contributing his time and talents in any capacity needed, reflecting his deep commitment to his faith community.
Beyond his dedication to faith and community, Everett had a passion for restoring vehicles, proudly showcasing his orange Case tractor, red Diamond T, and yellow Rambler, affectionately nicknamed “The Banana,” in local parades. He was a constant source of support and encouragement for his children and grandchildren in all their endeavors, whether athletic or musical. His familiar send-off, “Lord bless you,” was a comforting and loving blessing to them all.
As a father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Everett led by example. He instilled in his family the values of hard work, dedication, and the importance of family bonds. He possessed a remarkable ability to fix anything, from fences to machinery, embodying the resourcefulness and skills of a farmer and rancher. His children saw him as capable of anything, a testament to his strength, resilience, and unwavering commitment to his family.
Everett and Vernelda’s legacy is carried on through their six married children, 14 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren. Their family includes: John and Melinda, with sons Aaron and the late Jordan; Greg and Cindy, and their children Zachary, Skye, Amy and Sam Leritz (Claire, Carson, Madelyn and Jackson); Marc and Melinda, and their children Rachel and Wes Hocevar (Kamden and Addilyn), and Emily and Evan Derks (Kelby and Callen); Karl and Wendy, and their children Casey and April Schenk (Nathan and Cameron), and Kelley Schenk and Ryan Lenz (Wendell); Jennifer and Ron Shaneybrook, and their children Josh and Andrea; and James and Lori, and their children Hattie, Hans, Holter and Haris.
In remembrance of Everett’s life, memorial donations can be directed to Peace Hospice, an organization that provided compassionate care and support. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude for the care, friendship, and love shown to Everett throughout his life. While services are not being held, the memories of John Everett Bumgarner will undoubtedly live on in the hearts of his family and the many lives he touched in the Great Falls and Belt communities.
