William Muckelvane

William Henry Muckelvane, 75, left us unexpectedly and too soon, September 9th, 2023 in Billings, MT.

Willie was born in Tishomingo, Oklahoma to Henry and Florence Muckelvane on November 9th, 1947. He was the third of four boys, Ben, Houston and Lynn, growing up in parts of Oklahoma, Texas and Southern California.

He enlisted in the Navy in Los Angeles, CA on December 27th, 1966 and was honorably discharged June 4th, 1970 earning the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. There were many mornings he would have coffee with his son-in-law, Leif, recounting the ships he served on and the duties he was responsible for.

He had his eye on Sherry Ellingson as she babysat for his brother, Houston, and he called her his own on July 17th, 1971. Willie and Sherry went on to have two children, Brandi and Janelle. They made their home in Southern California where he worked in construction as a plasterer applying stucco to the newly built homes and eventually became the foreman of his own crew. Spare time was spent with his brothers and their families, often in the desert with 3-wheelers, dune buggies or on the water boating.

In March of 1983 he moved his family to Scobey, MT to help farm alongside Sherry's uncle, Cliff Shrank. He also worked in the winters hauling propane for Farmers Union Carriers. He could drive the backroads and know who lived at every farm in Daniels County

Willie came to know Jesus as his Lord and Savior in 1985. Alongside his wife, they were active and dedicated to the Assembly of God church with the youth programs, including Royal Rangers, Youth Group and Sunday School. He was also the Sunday School Superintendent, Board Member and Usher. He enjoyed sharing the message of Jesus with those he crossed paths with.

He retired from farming in 2005 and he and Sherry moved to Billings, MT. He worked for the MT Department of Transportation prior to leaving Scobey and continued to work in Billings. He developed a love for the game of golf. He was active in the golf league in Billings and enjoyed telling others about his golf game and winnings. He enjoyed rebuilding a Ford Mustang with a coworker and riding in the “Burn the Point” parade in Billings.

In 2013, Willie retired from the MT Department of Transportation in Billings. Willie and Sherry would escape the cold winter months and head south to Arizona to enjoy time with family and friends and of course more golf.

Willie continued to enjoy time in Scobey at the farm in the summer, often tinkering in his shop, working on a project or firing up the old Case tractor. He loved having his grandkids at the farm with him, riding the 4-wheeler and side by side, shooting gophers and teaching them how to golf. He also loved cheering on his grandkids in all their sporting activities.

Willie is survived by his wife Sherry Muckelvane, daughters, Brandi Perry and Janelle Handran (Leif), grandchildren Tristan, Halle, Sophia, Asher and Everly as well as his brother, Houston (Katie) and many nieces and nephews.

Celebration of Life is September 18th, 10am at the Cornerstone Assembly of God, 503 Main Street, Scobey, MT.