Maurice Percy Volkman Sr.

Missoula — Maurice Percy Volkman Sr. 94 ½ passed away Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2016 at The Springs due to natural causes. As a family we are saddened with his passing before Christmas. He loved Christmas time and being with his family. We know he will forever be with us as he looks down upon us from Heaven. He is now reunited with Marion, his beloved wife of 51 years. They once again can float across the dance floor.

Maurice was born July 11, 1922 in Burlington, North Dakota. He grew up in Great Falls and graduated from Great Falls High School in 1941. He attended the University of Montana for a year and a half until World War II started. At that time, he joined the Navy B5 pilot program. He learned to fly in Missoula at the Johnson Field. During the war he was a flight instructor for the Navy from 1942 to 1946 primarily in Pensacola, Florida. After the war, he stayed in the Naval Reserve for 13 years flying out of Seattle and later Spokane for weekend trainings with a fighter squadron.

When he returned to Great Falls with his new bride in 1944 from Pensacola, Florida, he became a cosmetologist with his father and two brothers at the Volkman Beauty Salon. He built his first home by himself with a handsaw. He was so proud of that accomplishment, though it wore him out after working all day at the salon and then building. He and Myrtle had two children Maurice Percy, Jr. and Debora Ann. In March of 1961, they divorced. He then was introduced to Marion Fisher Overman who had two boys; Clyde Allen and Benny Lee. They were married Nov. 19, 1961. They enjoyed every day together, including, golfing, fishing and camping trips around the state of Montana with their four children and their dog. They were very social and enjoyed sporting events and attending formal dances at the Great Falls Country Club.

After 27 years at the beauty salon, they decided to make their Whitefish Lake home permanent. They spent the winter months in Arizona. He built both of their homes in Whitefish and Arizona. He loved to build, so home construction became his second occupation, building and remodeling several homes in the Whitefish area. Maurice and Marion lived in Whitefish for 30 years.

In 2009, they decided to move into The Springs of Missoula with the urging of family. A few years later, Marion passed in 2012. Maurice missed her dearly, but continued to enjoy life with his remaining family and friends. He loved visiting his Whitefish home and always had a project in mind. He still lived independently at The Springs. He also enjoyed his years in Rotary and with the SAE Fraternity.

Maurice was preceded in death by his father Arthur John Volkman; his mother Stella Lena McGowan; two older brothers William and Raymond Volkman. His first wife Myrtle Holman Halverson; his second wife Marion Fisher Volkman; stepson Clyde Overman; nephew Jerry Volkman; niece Carol Volkman and daughters-in-law Becky Volkman and Rose White.

He is survived by his oldest son Maurice “Mo” P. Volkman, Jr (Terrie) of Belgrade; daughter Debora Liberko (John) of Missoula; stepson Ben Overman (Carolyn) of Missoula; daughter-in-law Susie Overman of Washington; sister-in-law Louise Volkman of Great Falls; grandchildren, Robert Forras, Tina Webb, Arthur Lee Volkman, Jolyn Music, Amy Steinke, Megan Overman, Micah Overman, Kiesha Overman, Greg Liberko and Lisa Liberko; 17 great-grandchildren and four nieces and nephews.

There was a graveside service with military honors on Tuesday, Dec. 27 at 11 a.m. at the Missoula Cemetery. A celebration of Maurice’s life took place at The Springs Dec. 27 at 2:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to The Watson Children’s Shelter, 4978 Buckhouse Lane, Missoula, MT 59804.

A life well lived – you were the BEST son, husband, father, stepdad, grandpa, great-grandpa and friend!