Michael P. Songer

Michael Phillip Songer, 74, of Garneill, a husband, father, grandfather, and one of the last remaining cowboys and original Marlboro Man passed away October 23, 2020 in Port St. Lucie, Florida.

He was born October 1, 1946 in Spokane, Washington to Alvin and Thelma (Elliot) Songer. At a young age they moved to Garneill, where he attended school in Judith Gap and graduated in 1964. After graduation he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served aboard the USS Franklin D. Roosevelt as an air framer, also known as "tin benders" with the VF-11 Red Rippers. He also served on the USS Forrestal in his last year of deployment. He was honorably discharged in 1968. After the Navy he worked construction for several years. On October 17, 1970 he married Deborah Mitchell. They have two children Joleen and Michael.

Over the years he owned several businesses such as the Ulm Country Store and the Sarpy Creek Bar and Restaurant. He was always an entrepreneur. He then married Helen Hall on September 4^th, 1996 in Lewistown and returned to live in the same house he grew up in Garneill. For many years he worked as a long-haul truck driver until the passing of his late wife, Helen. He then met June Wagner and they were married in 2014. They split their time between Montana in the summer and Florida during the cold Montana winters, where he enjoyed meeting new people and checking out the beach.

Mike loved to tinker in the shop, and there was not much he could not fix. He was a great mechanic. He also enjoyed riding his Harley, listening to the old classic country music and trying to convince anybody he could sing and yodel, and if you knew Mike at all you know he couldn't carry a tune in a rusty bucket.

He is survived by his wife June; daughter Joleen (Rusty) South of Vaughn; son Michael (Misty) of Lewistown; twin brother Ed (Darlene) Songer of Grass Range; grandchildren Colby, Gwen and Makenzi of Vaughn and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Mike is preceded in death by his first wife, Helen, his parents, brothers Alvin and Jack; sisters Betty Mae Spurrier and Ida Ackaret.

Graveside Memorial Services for Michael P. Songer will be Saturday, July 17^th, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. in the Judith Gap Cemetery with the Cloyd Funeral Home assisting the family.

Friends are asked to make memorials to the charity of their choice and they may be left with the Cloyd Funeral Home. Condolences for the family may be posted online at www.cloydfuneralhome.com.