Daniel Eshleman

Daniel E. Eshleman

Great Falls —Daniel E. Eshleman, 83, passed away October 13, 2014 at his home in Great Falls. His Memorial Service will be held Monday, October 20 at 11:00am at Holy Spirit (201 44th St South) with burial to follow at Highland Cemetery.

Daniel was born in Crow Agency, MT on August 16, 1931 to Emerson and Ella Eshleman of Reno Creek, MT. Dan grew up working on the family farm, living in a two bedroom house with his three brothers and two sisters. He attended schools in Crow Agency and Hardin. He was involved with Boy Scouts of America and earned Eagle Scout status.

As a young man, Dan worked for Camel Farming Corporation before joining the army in 1949. He served during the Korean War as a supply specialist stationed in Okinawa, where he refueled B-29 bombers for missions into Japan. Dan received the Army Occupation Medal (Japan) and attained the rank of Sergeant. Upon his discharge in 1953 he attended school in Wahpeton, North Dakota and received a degree in Automotive Mechanics and Drafting. Dan worked as a mechanic in Hardin before becoming a Hardin City Police Officer for two years.

In 1961 he graduated from Montana Law Enforcement Academy in Bozeman as a Montana Highway Patrolman. His first duty was Baker, MT until 1967. While he was there he renewed his association with Boy Scouts of America as a troop leader for many years. He was transferred to Wolf Point, MT where he was promoted to sergeant and remained there until 1974. That summer he transferred to Deer Lodge for six weeks before being promoted to lieutenant and was then transferred to Great Falls, where he stayed and became Captain until his retirement in 1990. During his time with the patrol he was closely involved with officer training and was a firearms and driving instructor.

Almost immediately upon his retirement, Dan set to building a small home on his farm in Reno Creek where he would spend most of his time from early spring to late fall farming his property and working for his neighbors and friends of Lamar Ranch, farming from sunup to sundown. Winters were spent in Great Falls.

Dan was highly respected by all who knew him for his leadership. Kindness, integrity and common sense. He would always make time for others and welcomed the opportunity to visit with old friends or make new ones. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. In 1955 Dan was married to Verlette Graham in Worland, WY.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Verlette Eshleman; daughters, Sheryl (Dennis) Hunking of Keizer, OR, Tammy Eshleman of Bozeman, MT and Karen Southers of Great Falls; grandchildren, Steven (Natalie) Black, Michael Black, Jason (Anne) Black, Kayle (Josh) Villegas, all of Keizer, OR, and Jennifer (Joe) Knarr of Bozeman; great-grandchildren, Austin and Faith Black, Gaige Black, Zoe Black, Josh, Elijah and Jeremiah Villegas and Cooper Knarr; brothers, Robert (Mary) Eshleman, John (Joy) Eshleman, William (Clara) Eshleman; sisters, Dorothy (Tom) Scally, Marie (Jack) Bartenhagen; as well as many nephews and nieces. Dan also found his special late-in-life pet, his cat, Gracie.

Memorial donations are suggested to Montana Hope Project, PO Box 5927, Helena MT 59604 or to Boy Scouts of America, 820 17th Ave S, Great Falls MT 59405.

Condolences to the family may be shared at www.croxfordfuneralhome.com