Thomas Arthur Wester

Thomas Arthur Wester, 87, passed away on Nov. 13, 2003, at Deaconess Billings Clinic, as the result of a stroke.
He was born Dec. 2, 1915, in Huntsville, Ky., the son of Adolphus Carlesslie and Rose Lena Wester. Art lived in Huntsville and Rochester, Ky., until he was 17, when he came to Montana and joined the Civil Conservation Corp. After three years of service, he remained in Montana - the state he truly loved.
In 1937, he married Helen Lucille Russell and they divorced in 1944. In 1945, Art married Betty Jean Banta, his loving and patient wife of 58 years. He had four children.
Art was a hardworking man with many hats that including coal mining, farming, highway construction, home builder and, in later years, he had an avid interest in flea markets and garage sales. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, had a special gift for storytelling and loved a good joke.
Art was a member of the Billings O.A.K.S. for over 30 years, where he loved to dance. He was also a member of the Central Christian Church in Billings.
Art is survived by his wife, Betty Jean Wester; and three children, Georgia Wagenman (Melvin) of Shepherd, Don Wester (Sharon) of Clarkston, Wash., and Richard Wester of Lewiston, Idaho. His daughter, Rose Viesta Brum, preceded him in death. He was proud of his 14 grandchildren and loved to tell everyone that he had 32 great-grandchildren.
Our Candy man says, "Sorry, ladies, no more candy kisses or Tootsie rolls - God bless you all."
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to the Yellowstone Boy's Ranch or the Central Christian Church.
Funeral service will be 10 a.m. Monday, Nov. 17, at the Central Christian Church, 1261 16th St. W., Billings.