Kenneth Charles Bogar

LAUREL - Kenneth Charles Bogar went to be with the Lord Jesus at 2 a.m. Jan. 14, 2006.
Remembering him as a loving husband, devoted father, loyal friend, good neighbor and fun "on-the-go" brother are survivors: his wife, Mary Donn (Pearson) Bogar of Laurel; daughter, Melissa Jimenez, son-in-law, Ramon, along with granddaughters, Sedona, Martina and Raquel of Laurel; daughter, Rebecca Coley and son-in-law Jeramie of Billings; and daughter, Gina Tan, son-in-law, Phil and baby grandson, Henry of North Liberty, Iowa. Sibling survivors include his sister, Diane Averill and husband, Lonney of Billings; brothers, Calvin Bogar and his wife, Joanne of Bloomfield; Bruce Bogar and his wife, Melva of Wolf Point; and Donald Bogar and his wife, Vickie of Vida. Other family survivors are his sister-in-law, Dorothy Dent of Dallas and his many nieces and nephews with whom he enjoyed special relationships. Among the many who will miss him are the close friends who connected with Kenny through flying, snowmobiling, fishing, RVing and farming.
Born on Oct. 21, 1943, in Wolf Point, as the third child of Melvin and Suzie Bogar, Ken grew up on their farm in Vida and attended grade school there. He graduated from Circle High school in 1961 and spent the next year trying out Bozeman engineering school and Billings Business School. He then volunteered to serve his country and was company clerk for his battalion the three years he remained in the Army. He proposed to Mary Donn Pearson, his high school sweetheart, while on leave. They were married Dec. 27, 1965, in Circle, and lived in Billings where Ken worked for Taylor Distributors while Mary finished her BS in education. During the next few years, Ken helped his dad farm at Vida and worked for Continental EMENSCO, an oil field supply company out of Glendive.
In the spring of 1969, Ken and his dad looked at the Wayne Edwards farm, south of Opheim. They struck a deal and Ken was a dry land wheat farmer - living his life's dream! Four "baby girl blessings" came to complete the family and the dream. They raised spring wheat and kids while enjoying the family farm lifestyle and many motor-driven recreational activities. Ken loved life and the Lord. He accepted Jesus as Lord and was baptized as a youth in the Red Water River near Vida. He trusted God. He knew God's truths were absolute and he courageously lived his life as an example to others.
In May 2004, the diagnosis of esophageal cancer forced Ken to retire from farming, but he continued to enjoy RVing and fishing as he fought the "good fight" with great support from family and friends. Ken pushed with all his strength against the battle with cancer this fall. In August, Ken elected to have his esophagus removed. During the multiple procedures and surgeries, Ken came down with pneumonia. With his wife, daughters and sister by his side, he finally took his last breath and was released from this earth to his Heavenly home, joining his daughter, Rachel May Bogar, and his parents, Melvin and Susan Zora Bogar.
A viewing will be held from noon to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 17, at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary, 1001 Alderson Ave., in Billings. A fellowship supper will follow at 6:30 p.m. at New Life Foursquare Church located at 213 First Ave., in Laurel. Funeral services wi1l take place at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 18, at Faith Chapel, 517 Shiloh Road, Billings.