Allen E. Winter

Allen “Al” Eugene Winter, 87, of Shelby, passed away at home surrounded by family on Tuesday, December 11, 2018.

Allen was born on January 15, 1931 in Havre to E.W. and Mary (Howser) Winter.  He grew up and attended school in Kremlin, MT.  Allen graduated from high school in 1949. He started work for Vita Rich Dairy in Havre in 1954.  Allen owned and operated Brown’s Hardware Hank from 1971 to 1979.He went back into the dairy business, as owner operator of Winter Dairy Gold and worked until retiring in July of 2007.  During retirement years Allen continued to take care of his horses and mules and donated his time to volunteer at the Shelby Senior Citizen Center.

He was a member of the Boys Scouts, East Slope Back Country Horseman, 4-H Club, Shelby Saddle Club, and several civic organizations.

Allen enjoyed his horses, mules, raising pigs, backcountry riding, traveling, and supporting his granddaughter at the Arabian horse shows, flower gardening, spending time with his out of town family, and playing pitch games at the center with his friends. He would be found at Christmas playing Santa Claus for many Shelby families.

Survivors include children, Darby (Jerry) McDermott, Debbie (Rich) Ranes, and Randy (Julie) Winter; grandchildren, Christy (Jeff) Hamilton, Lyndi (Opie) Smith, Brad (Amanda) McDermott, Lisa (Nick) Campbell, and Clayton Winter; great grandchildren, Aiden, Brinlee, Chloe, and Grayson Hamilton, Allyn McDermott, Ivy, Heath, Jackson, and Kooper Campbell; sister, Beverly Grass.

He preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Frances “Fritz” Winter; parents; son, Rod Winter; sister, Donna (Murrel) Wilson; and grandson, Max Winter.

Memorials can be made to Shelby Senior Center or Shelby United Methodist Church.

Visitation will be Friday, December 14, from 5 to 7pm at Whitted Funeral Chapel. Funeral services will be Saturday, December 15, at 10:00 AM at Shelby United Methodist Church.