William (Bill) Lee Stanton

August 5, 1945 - September 25, 2023

William Lee Stanton, 78, passed away of natural causes at his home on September 25, 2023.
Bill was born on August 5, 1945 in Havre, Montana to Archie and Helen Stanton. Shortly after his birth, the family relocated to Lewistown where he spent his childhood and graduated from Fergus County High School in 1963.
After high school, Bill enlisted in the Army where he completed basic training and went on to the Army Reserves.
Bill met Patti Hovden at the old Snuffy’s Bar in Lewistown and they were wed in May of 1974. Together they had 2 children, Kelly and William (Bill).
During their marriage they lived in Lewistown and Helena. Bill and Patti later divorced.
While working at the Last Chance Gulch Mine, Bill met Liz Tone in Clancy, Montana.
They were united in marriage on May 7, 1983 in a Muzzleloader Rendezvous wedding. Liz brought to the marriage 4 children, Kerry, Brian, Susan and Amy. Amy was fairly young when they wed and she considered Bill her own father. Bill and Liz moved to Winnemucca, Nevada where he spent more than 20 years working in the gold mines.
Throughout his life Bill worked at Lewistown Lumber, Don’s Store, and Roy’s Tire in Lewistown.
He spent the majority of his career working in the mining industry. Bill medically retired in 2012 after suffering a stroke.
That same year, his beloved wife, Liz passed and Bill eventually moved home to be closer to his family.
After returning home, you could often find Bill sitting on a stool at the gun counter in Don’s, visiting with staff and customers.
Bill enjoyed many hobbies throughout his life, jeeping, hunting, fishing, camping, and muzzleloader rendezvous.
He was a member of Pheasants Forever, Ducks Unlimited, the NRA and RMEF. He enjoyed attending banquets that supported conservation and local outdoor organizations.
Bill looked forward to hunting season every year, where he would join his son, Bill and grandson, Riley in the Ranger looking for elk, deer, or whatever else they could find.
He never cared if it was below zero and he had to sit while the boys hiked, he just loved being included. Bill most recently enjoyed celebrating Kelly’s marriage to Scott and Bill’s completion of Journey Lineman.
He is survived by his sisters, Shauna (Marty) Silberhorn and Jeanne Quigley of Lewistown, Montana; his two children, Kelly (Scott) Stewart and Bill (Michele) Stanton of Lewistown; his grandchildren, Taylor (Kylee) Dengel, Shelby (Chance) McAllister, Kody Dengel, Madison Dengel, Tucker Stewart, Jordan Stewart, Riley Stanton, and Chase Stanton; four great-grandchildren, Bentley and Rayleigh Dengel, Madden and Harper McAllister; his step-children and their beloved families; and many special nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents; wife; and step-daughter, Kerry McNeil.
Donations may be made in Bill’s honor to any local conservation/outdoor organization of choice.
A memorial service will be held at Creel Funeral Home on Saturday, October 14 at 11 a.m. with a reception to follow at Brooks Market.
Arrangements are under the care of Creel Funeral Home. Bill’s family and friends can share memories and condolences at www.creelfuneralhome.com