Lester Earl Nevins

Shelby - On December 1, 2019, with his family by his side, Lester went with God. Lester was born in Browning on January 27, 1940 to Fred and Vera (Buntin) Nevins. He was the youngest of the family, having 3 brothers and 1 sister who all preceded him in death. Lester was raised in Shelby, Montana and graduated from Shelby High School in 1958.

Lester married Judy Losey Grant in Helena, Montana in 1972 and the two were happily married for 47 years. Together they brought 5 children to the marriage, Joni, Clifford, Julie, Karie and David. Lester was previously married to Carol Schmidtz.

At the age of 15, Lester went to work for Dick Irvin, Inc. Dick would call him out of school for a short run or have him drive truck on the weekends. Following high school and until 1976, Lester was an over-the-road truck driver. From 1976-2012 he was the supervisor for the Dick Irvin truck repair shop. In 2012 Lester retired.

Lester was an exceptional person and was known for being loving and caring. His family, friends and the Shrine were considered the most important in his life. He loved nothing more than spending time and visiting with his family and friends. Lester knew someone wherever he went but on the odd occasion he didn't, he would make a new friend. He enjoyed westerns and old movies, especially those with John Wayne. War stories and "007" were top picks as well. When Lester had time, he loved to travel, especially if it involved riding his motorcycle.

Lester was a Past Potentate of the Algeria Shrine Temple in Helena, Montana. He also served on the Board of Directors for Shriners Hospital for Children in Spokane, Washington for 9 years. Lester was passionate about his work at the hospital and the children that they served. In addition, he was a member of the Tri-County Shrine Club and Corvette Patrol, Past Master of the Shelby Masonic Lodge, member of the York Rite, the Scottish Rite, the Loyal Order of Jesters, Helena Court 5, the Jesters of Montana, several Shrine Clubs around Montana, Shelby Elks and the Cut Bank Moose Lodge.

Lester was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Vera Nevins; his brothers, Fred, James and Richard; and his sister Margaret, grandparents, 2 nephews and a great niece and a great great niece and her baby.

Lester is survived by his wife of 47 years, Judy; his children, Joni (Mike) Hirst and David (Becky) Nevins of Post Falls, ID, Julie (Jeff) Lewis of Sherwood, OR, Cliff (Diane) Grant and Karie Frydenlund of Helena; 10 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Services will be held on Friday, December 13, 2019, at 2:00 p.m. upstairs at the Elks Lodge (137 Main Street) in Shelby. There will be Masonic service, and Shriners are asked to wear their Fez.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations in memory of Lester to Shiners Hospital for Children (911 W. 5th Ave., Spokane, WA 99204) or Tri-County Shrine Club (P.O. Box 387, Shelby, MT 59474) or a charity of their own. Cards can be sent to P.O. Box 387 Shelby, MT 59474.

A special thanks to Dr. Clary of Shelby, and staff for their care of Lester, Dr. Kaae from Sletton Cancer Center, and the doctors and nurses from Benefis Hospital Great Falls and St Peter's Hospital in Helena.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Great Falls Tribune from Dec. 4 to Dec. 8, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Lester Nevins

Sponsored by Helena Funeral Chapel.

6 Entries

Gary Steffen

December 13, 2019

To my dearest Buddy, I'll never forget when i asked you " How have you had such a long and successful Marriage?" You smiled and said "it's because of this simple statement, "Never say NO, Always say, Yes Dear, Just not today", I live by this to this day! You are an incredible man and we will sorely miss you.
Gary Steffen

Gary Steffen

Sent Flowers

Kathy Losey Washbourne

December 5, 2019

How do you say Goodbye to a man like this? You have been a family member for a lot of years now. We were all very lucky for that. Our family is large so I think each of us knew a different part of you. Bringing you and your children into this family only made us better.

I remember the ride from Helena to Cascade you gave us in your 18 wheeler. I felt like a kid climbing into your sleeper with my girls to give them a nap. That was a memory you just can't forget. Or the trip you had to make in the middle of the night because his sister-in-law needed a ride home to Helena after a rodeo. I called for help and you was on the way. I think I was in Roundup at the time and you were at my parents in Helena that weekend. Thank You Les for those fond memories.

I know how important the Shriner's was to you and I want you to know I will continue to donate hats and other things to the hospital, and I'll do the delivery also, but here in Oregon, instead of you packing them back to Montana for me each year.

There isn't enough words to say what a wonderful man you were. You are so loved and will be so missed by many.

We will miss you Lester and will see you again someday. Judy we will be here for you with whatever we can to always keep you safe and happy like Lester always did or wanted for you.

Love, Kathy

Joanne S.

December 5, 2019

What a great man. There are not enough words to say how I feel about Lester. He was loving, kind, generous, caring and always there if you needed a hug or help. Thank you Les for being a part of our family. My heart is broken just thinking of you gone. You have done so much for so many and I am proud to call you my brother-in-law. They must need your help in Heaven so until we meet again. I Love you

Linda Haworth

December 5, 2019

So very sad to hear of Lester's passing. He was a great guy, and will be missed. He was so good to my Mom at Dick Irvin's working there when she was having a difficult time. Our sincerest condolences to all of you.

Brook Heath

December 5, 2019

Thinking of you Uncle Les.

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