John Mandeville

John Brashear Mandeville, the fifth son and the last member of the Milton D. and Mabelle A. Mandeville family, passed away Wednesday, August 3, 2016 due to the complications of a stroke. John was born August 10, 1926. He was raised in Columbus where he graduated in 1944. While John attended college at the U of M, he decided to pursue his lifelong desire to obtain a private pilot's license. Shortly thereafter John submitted his application for Aviation Cadet training and became career military with the United States Army Air Corps later known as the United States Air Force. John was blessed to marry the love of his life, Virginia (nee George) Mandeville on January 2, 1952. Together they lived in many places throughout the world for the past 64 years with Billings being their last place of residence. At the end of World War II, Stillwater County had a big celebration party for all returning veterans. What a special day that was! Fifty years later on the anniversary of that original Bobo Day, John won the raffle—a 1947 Mercury Sedan! It was one of his proudest moments. Golfing was not only a hobby, but a passion! Another great love was fishing on the East Rosebud River. Throughout his lifetime, John spearheaded many projects. He designed, planned and did fundraising for the Donald Ruhl exhibit at the Museum of the Beartooths. He worked diligently to get Highway 78 designated as the Donald Ruhl Memorial Highway. He raised funds to build a Memorial Shelter at Florida's Patrick's Air Force Base as well as help provide a new sprinkler system for Mountainview Cemetery in Columbus. John will be fondly remembered as a proud patriot, US Air Force veteran, masterful storyteller, beloved uncle and as a man with 101 projects. John is survived by his wife, Virginia; the three George sisters-in-laws…Barbara, Lauretta and Pat as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held at the Community Congregational Church located at 138 North 4th Street Columbus, Montana on Friday, August 19 at 2 o'clock. There will be a graveside service with military honors and an inurnment followed by a time of fellowship back at the church. Memorials may be made to the charity of your choice.