Sherman Lessley

1929 - 2009

Sherman Lessley, a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, passed away at home on June 10, 2009. Sherm was born to Glen and Irene Chappell on Nov. 18, 1929, in Murray, Utah. He was raised by Frank and Irene Lessley.

He married the love of his life, Ruth, on Aug. 26, 1953. Along with his three sons and her son and daughter, they moved to Bozeman that same year. In 1954, two more boys (twins) were born to make our wonderful family total nine.

Sherm worked for Montana State University as an electrician, and was the only one who would climb the infamous smokestack to change the light bulbs. He also worked for Bozeman Electric, Yellowstone Electric, Volk Electric, and Radio Shack.

Our father was a "gruff old cowboy," but he also had a gentile way about him when we needed it most. As his great-grandson, Gage, said, "Great-Grandpa has a lot of words." We will always cherish the wonderful memories and lessons he taught us.

Sherm is survived by his loving wife, Ruth; daughter, Barbara (Jim) Jones; sons, Mickey (Wendy), Jay Blair, Dennis (Polly), Jim (Cindy), Tom (Dianne), and Terry. Also surviving are six brothers, Alton (Barb) Chappell, Marion (Buttons) Chappell, George (Linda) Chappell, Don (Kaye) Valdez, Frank Lessley, and Emmett (Jeri) Lessley; and four sisters, Nellie (Don) Welch, Audrey (Russ) Hilton, Dianne Chappell Brush, and Barbara Lessley (Dan) Blackwell; 25 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren.

Dad, you were in so much pain and discomfort in your last weeks. But instead of feeling sorry for yourself, you said there are other people worse off than you. We know you aren't hurting anymore and you are with our Heavenly Father. You will be missed.

An informal gathering of family and friends will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, June 27, at the home of Sherm and Ruth, 1240 Cobb Hill Road, Bozeman.