Lilley, Fred Roy

Fred Roy Lilley passed away quietly in his home of over 50yrs, surrounded by his family, November 3, 2008. He was born June 4, 1924 in Butte MT. He was the son of Roy and Theo Lilley.

Born into a coal mining family, Fred quickly realized his thirst for adventure and at the ripe age of 13 left home to become a ranch hand. Bull dogging whitetails from the back of a horse at full gallop and roaming the eastern plains of Montana kept him busy till he heeded the call to war, where he volunteered to serve his country March 4, 1943. A paratrooper in the 82nd airborne with the 504, Fred would survive 5 European campaigns during WWII and acquire a chest full of medals, The Silver Star and the Bronze Lion (A medal bestowed on behalf of the Netherlands, equivalent to our Silver Star), just to name a couple.

Fred would meet the love of his life while in Europe, Grace Goldie Lilley, whom precedes him death, and marry his bride in her hometown of Hurleford Ayershire Scotland July 31, 1945. He would bring her to Montana and move several times before making his home in the small town of Polson in 1956; where Fred and Grace would raise their only son, Donald W. Lilley. Fred worked and retired after 35 years of devoted employment to Plum Creek, where he made many friends.

Fred loved the simple things in life: a crisp fall morning when you could hear the elk bugling, an ever winding creek where the fish popped the surface for a taste of the local insect feast, and a hot cup of coffee with a good fishing tale to share. Fred's devotion to his family shined brightly in the time and patience he gave freely to them. He brought wisdom, warmth, and comfort to his loved ones and not a day goes by that his presence isn't missed.

He is survived by his only son, Donald W. Lilley and his wife Eva M. Lilley, three grand children; John Lilley, Tanya Lilley-Fox, and LaCosta D. Lilley, three great grandchildren; Gavin Fox, Alana Fox, and Tristan Schuyler.

Go catch a big one for us Pops, we love you and we'll see you at the campfire!

A memorial service was held at the Grogan Funeral Home on Friday, Nov. 7, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. with graveside military honors at Lakeview Cemetery, Polson.

Condolences may be sent and a guest book signed at www.groganfuneralhome.com