Richard McCarty

1935 - 2013

Richard McCarty, 78, passed away unexpectedly on August 6, while getting dressed for another day of harvesting on the South Dakota farm that he loved. Funeral services will be held at Plentywood Lutheran Church on Sunday, August 11 at 11:30 AM. With Pastor Mark Taylor officiating. Interment, with military honors, will be in Plentywood Memorial Cemetery.

Born on January 23, 1935, Richard attended schools in Flaxville and Scobey. After attending the University of Montana for one year where he played on the basketball team known as the Fabulous Frosh, he joined the United States Army, being stationed in Fort Ord, CA and Germany. Richard earned a Bachelor of Science degree in agriculture-economics from North Dakota State University.

Richard met Eileen Stoner of Outlook, the girl of his dreams, at a Luther League Convention in Fargo. They were married on September 1, 1957 at Plentywood Lutheran Church. In 1961, after college, Richard and Eileen returned to Sheridan County and began their lifetime of farming together. Working on a farm from the age of twelve when he worked an entire summer to purchase his first bike, Richard loved every aspect of farming. He worked long, hard hours and always seemed happiest doing so. Although "retired" Richard couldn't stay off the farm and was in the middle of his 66th harvest when he was taken from us.

Even though Richard felt as if two daughters and two sons would be the ideal household, daughter Rae Lynn and son Paul completed the family. Whether taking trips to Disney World, Washington D.C., Hawaii and others, moving machinery across miles from Canada to South Dakota, or skiing, scouting, golfing and spending time at the lake, Richard's family was the most important thing to him. He would drive hours so as not to miss a sporting event or music recital. As the years went by and grandchildren were added to the family, the twinkle in Richard's eyes grew even brighter and the driving continued.

Richard and Eileen loved to travel whether it was spending a week golfing somewhere warm in the winter or seeing the world with friends. They have spent the past several winters in the Arizona sunshine enjoying the company of family and friends. Whether there, or at home, Richard read his iPad daily, checking on grain markets, weather and commodities. In September of 2012, not even one year ago, Richard and Eileen moved from their home in Plentywood to western Montana to be closer to their children and grandchildren.

Richard took a great interest in the Montana Grain Growers Association, serving as the state president and dedicating years to promoting fair grain transportation. He served as a church councilman and president of the congregation at PLC and was a Shriner. He was a kind, quiet and honest man, who always thought before he spoke.

Richard is survived by the family that loves him so: Eileen, his wife of nearly 56 years, their daughter Rae Lynn D'Angelo and her husband, Frank of Missoula; son Paul and his wife Natalie of Bozeman and grandchildren Lauren and Connor D'Angelo and Maicy, Meg, Mason and Madden McCarty. His brother Ronnie of Portland, OR and several nieces and nephews also survive him. His parents, Alice and Ray McCarty, brothers Archie, Quentin and Kermit and his sister Evelyn preceded him in death.

A memorial may be sent to Plentywood Lutheran Church, the Plentywood Education & Alumni Foundation, the Sheridan County Healthcare Foundation or the charity of your choice. If you would like to send cards, please send them to 711 Spanish Peaks Drive, Missoula, MT 59803, Richard and Eileen's new home.