HELENA-Former Malta Mayor, George Ronald Hoynes, age 89, World War II Veteran, Electrician, Retired Big Flat Manager, died June 4, 2010 in St. Pete’s Hospital in Helena.
George was born July 19, 1920 on the family homestead south of Malta, MT, the second of eight children, to Mildred Wheeler Hoynes and Raymond C. Hoynes. At the age of 5, his mother entered him into the country school because they needed one more student to keep the school open. In 1927, his parents gave up the homestead and moved the family to Malta where in attended Malta Grade School and High School. His high school education was interrupted by World War II service in the U.S. Army in the Philippines and Manila. After the war he returned to Malta and began a lifelong career as an Electrician, a trade he had learned in the military. George was very patriotic and deeply proud of his country, retiring as a Sergeant Major form the Montana National Guard.
George and Edna Panasuk met on a blind date in 1948. They were married in
Bainville, MT on May 28, 1950. They had one daughter, Gayle. They made their home in Malta. He worked in the electrical business and Edna teaching school.
George lived through the Depression where he gained an appreciation for hard work, family and friends. He could fix anything and had a collection of tools to repair or replace most anything. George should have been called an inventor because he could look at something that needed fixing and no matter how complicated he could make it work. He enjoyed going to auction sales, collecting coins, stamps and antiques. He liked working in his shop making coin banks from old antique Post Office Box doors. George was good at telling long stories. He retired in 1996; he and Edna bought a motor home and traveled around the US visiting family and friends. They spent twenty three warm winters in Yuma, Arizona. After living in Phillips County for 88 years, he and Edna moved in September 2008 to the Waterford Retirement Center in Helena to be closer to family. George and Edna celebrated their 60th Wedding Anniversary May 28th, 2010 with family and their dear friends Ginger and Verne from Pasco, WA.
George was a trusted adviser to so many, a good friend to many more, a loving husband to his dear wife Edna that he has taken such good care of these last few years, a treasured dad to Gayle, and a wonderful grandfather to Kaely and Beth. Our lives will never be the same without you, but our hearts will remain full of your love and our love for you.
George was involved in many community, church and civic organizations, Malta City Council Member, Phillips Co. Airport Commission, Malta Flying Club, Scottish Rite Mason life member, Officer of Grand Lodge of Montana, Algeria Shine of Malta, Life Member of Phillips County Historical Society, Board of Director, Phillips County Museum, Member Malta Fire Department – 20 years, Malta Rotary Club,Malta Men’s Club.
Because of his loving and giving spirit, he would love for all who knew him to do something good for someone else or make a donation to a charity of their choice.
He is survived by his wife Edna, daughter Gayle and husband Dan Gilmore of Helena; granddaughters, Beth Gilmore of Helena, Kaely (Shawn) Helmbrecht of Billings, MT, Great-granddaughter, Maicee
Helmbrecht, Billings, MT, Step-grandchildren Robert Gilmore, Brett Gilmore and Brandie Singleton, Dallas, TX; Brother, Emmet (Joy) Hoynes of Silverdale, WA, sister-in-law Ethel Hoynes of Whittier, CA and many cousins, nieces and nephews that he loved.
George was preceded in death by his parents, sisters, Rosine Hoynes, Verda Congie (and brother-in-law Pat
Congie) and brothers Orrin, Ralph, Virgil and Duane Hoynes.
Funeral service will be 10:00 A.M. Saturday, June 12, at the Malta Lutheran Church. Interment with military honors will be in the Malta Cemetery. The family will receive friends at 7:00 P.M. on Friday at the Kirkwood Funeral Home. Memorials donation maybe made to a charity of choice. Kirkwood Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Condolences for the family may be left at www.kirkwoodfuneralhome.com.
HELENA-Former Malta Mayor, George Ronald Hoynes, age 89, World War II Veteran, Electrician, Retired Big Flat Manager, died June 4, 2010 in St. Pete’s Hospital in Helena. 