Billy Marvin Froman

MALTA-Billy Marvin Froman, 85, went quietly to Our Lord January 28, 2017, surrounded by his loving wife, daughters and lifelong friends.

Rosary will be 7 p.m. on Thursday, February 2, 2017 at the Kirkwood Memorial Chapel in Malta. Mass will be 10 a.m., Friday at St. Mary's Catholic Church. Interment will be in the Malta Cemetery with military honors. After the reception at the church following the graveside, everyone is invited to the Malta V.F.W. for refreshment in Billy's honor. Condolences for the family may be left at http://www.kirkwoodfuneralhome.com.

Billy Marvin Froman was born September 17, 1931 in Quincy, Ill., to Elmer and Ruby Lucille (Downs) Froman. Billy grew up in Illinois on the family farm with brothers, Louis Earl, Elmer Francis (Fran), John Lesley (Jack) and a sister Ramona. He worked the bottoms, farming the Mississippi River in Illinois. He also picked 'pickles' with his father and brother Fran. He also delivered fish to Catholicson Friday's with his Uncle Phillip out of the trunk of his uncle's old car.

After graduating high school, Billy joined the US Army following his father and two brothers into the service. Billy was stationed in Germany.

In 1955, Billy married Bertie May Courtois in Illinois. Bertie passed away April 8, 1996. To this union six children were born, Marvin, Deb, Rhonda, Janice, Flay, and Arlana.

Billy was lucky enough to fall in love with his beautiful dancing partner, Darlene LaFond Bennatt. The two were married August 2, 1997 in Las Vegas, Nev. Upon returning to Roundup, Mont., the couple had their marriage blessed at the St. Benedicts Catholic Church. Billy was proud to have Darlene's daughters; Trish and Teresa become his also.

Billy farmed for a few years then began branching out into other areas of commerce.

The oil field is where he landed from Louisiana to Midwest, Wyo. Working from the bottom up he worked for Halliburton, GN Drilling, and Comanche just to name a few. In the 1970's he started Froman Drilling. With several projects under his feet, Billy became an oil field consultant, working for Hohn Engineering for 27 years.

Golfing was also something Billy enjoyed, participating in and winning many tournaments.

Billy, his horse Spooks, partner Gary Pendergrass with his horse, Barney were team ropers on the Montana Rodeo Circuit. He also team roped with Lyle Cochran in the PRCA. Billy and Lyle became fast friends traveling the rodeo circuit. Billy was a sponsor of the PRCA and the UIRA. He sponsored Lyle Cochran and in the UIRA his daughter Arlana in barrel racing.

Hunting and fishing were his favorite past times. With his sons and brother Fran they packed into the mountains for many a hunt. They always came back successful. Marvin tells of many years of great hunts and adventures with his Dad up in those mountains. Probably some we shouldn't hear.

A fisherman for life, Billy loved to get out in his boat and toss out a line. Clad in his signature bib overalls, favorite fishing shirt and a big grin he would set about catching his limit, which he usually did. Then it was time for a family fish feed.

What tales he had regaled to his family and friends with, telling each with such gusto that one almost thought they were there or maybe even believed the tale.

Billy and Darlene had a wonderful life together, dancing when they could and being Snowbirds, traveling to Lake Havasu City, Ariz., where Billy got plenty of fishing in.

When home, Billy was an avid gardener, sharing his wisdom and bounty. He enjoyed going to coffee at Westside Café and visiting with the guys.

In the last few years Billy and Darlene took over the care of Darlene's father, Gaylord. Billy and Gaylord became best friends. Gaylord has told us many times that Billy is the best friend he ever had.

Billy is survived by his loving wife Darlene, sons: Marvin (Joanne) of Nacogdoches, Texas, Flay (Deborah) of Roundup, Mont., Billy R (Donna) of Casper, Wyo .; Daughters: Rhonda (Craig Hanson) Froman of Belle Fouche, S.D., Deb (Duane) Cebulski, of Gillette, Wyo., Arlana (Lowell) Mosby, of Anegard, N.D.. Step children: Teresa (Larry) of Yeoman, Las Vegas, Nev., Trish (Shane Beres) Fish, of Kalispell, Mont .; 13 grandchildren, 18 step grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren, seven great step grandchildren. He was preceded in death by: his parents, brothers, Louis, Fran and Jack, one daughter Janice, grandson Clinton and step grandson Travis.