Benny L. Milks

Our dad and brother, Benny Lee Milks, passed away November 9, 2021.

Benny was born June 27, 1940 in Malta, MT to Russell & Florence Milks. The family farmed and ranched 30 miles south of Malta on Tallow Creek and Benny attended school through 8th grade at the Tallow Creek school. He and his sister Elaine went to school with their cousins, Tommy, Donny & Kenny Watson. Benny and the Watson boys taught themselves how to play several musical instruments, spending much time between the Watson and Milks' living rooms, often joined by Gary Bebee, who became a lifelong friend. All of them continued to enjoy music throughout their lives.

Benny graduated from Malta High School and spent much of his senior year driving truck with his grandpa. Soon after graduation he bought a semi and went into business for himself, hauling grain and livestock. He also ran cattle up north of Malta in the Loring area. He didn't like it, because cattle were never his favorite, but he did it. Elaine tells a story of being snowed in one winter at their place near Loring, and Benny coming to their place with 3 very cold calves in the cab of his pickup. She and Boyd warmed the calves up and they survived.

Benny met Leola Link in 1958 and they were married in August 1959. To this union were born Lani in 1964 and Alan in 1965.

During these years Benny and Duane Matthews formed M & M Trucking and ran several semis, hauling grain and livestock all over Montana and adjoining states. Lynn Cummings, Jim McCoy, and Larry Stevens were a few that drove truck for he and Duane. They used to say that the trucks were on the road 6 days a week and Benny did the mechanicing on the 7th day.

It was also during the mid-1960's that Benny bought his farm 35 miles south of Malta, where he raised dryland wheat for many years. He loved farming and working with machinery. Benny was an excellent mechanic and could fix most anything that was broken. He could often be found working in the shop on a piece of equipment, fixing and welding.

Benny got his private pilot's license and flying became a passion which he enjoyed for many years. He flew everywhere he could and owned several airplanes through the years. He enjoyed buying and selling airplanes almost as much as he did flying them. Benny was a spray pilot and sprayed his own crops. He had many entertaining stories to tell about his escapades, and some accidents flying various planes. It's amazing that neither he nor anyone else were injured, but because he was a natural "seat of the pants" pilot and had a mechanical mind, he was able to get through several uncomfortable incidents mostly unscathed. The airplanes weren't always so lucky.

Benny was also a successful real estate broker. He sold property all over the state of Montana and made many friends in the process.

Benny loved to play his fiddle and played music at The Hole, The Stockman, the GN, and up and down the hi-line with many different musicians, including the Lafond brothers, Maynard, Ed, & Craig, just to name a few. He, the Lafonds and Bob Flesche formed the band Benny & the Boys. They made a record of some of their favorites in 1980, which they were all proud of.

Since the late 1980's Benny has lived in Billings. He and Alan farmed at Camp 8, 65 miles southeast of Billings. Alan & his wife Annette purchased a farm near Pryor and Benny was very proud of the place they have built. He retired from farming and enjoyed spending time riding his motorcycles and playing music with several different bands in the area.

Benny is survived by his daughter Lani and husband Terry Huck of Huntley, and Lani's children Blake, Brian (Savannah), & Katelyn Robertson, and 3 great grandchildren; his son Alan and wife Annette of Pryor, their daughters Jordan Christopher (Shiloh), and Taylor Milks; sister Elaine Enerson and husband Dale of Malta, brother-in-law Lonnie Link and wife Linda of Malta, as well as several nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his companion and fiance' Gloria Mang. Benny will be missed by many.

A memorial service will be held in Billings at the Elks Club on Tuesday, November 16, at 2:00 p.m. A private burial will be in Malta on Saturday, November 20, followed by an informal gathering & luncheon at 11:30 at the VFW Club. All are welcome to the luncheon.