OLDHAM, Alan Clair 1930-2013

OLDHAM, MURRAY, GREGORY

Posted By: County Coordinator
Date: 6/2/2013 at 19:38:09

Alan Clair "Al" Oldham passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, January 18, 2013.

Al was born in 1930 to Frank and Edith (Murray) Oldham in Charles City. He graduated from Immaculate Conception High School. He came to Billings to work for his uncle at O.I. Lathing Co. He met and married Marion Virginia Gregory in 1951. He was drafted into the Army during the Korean Conflict.

They moved to Paso Robles, Calif., where he was stationed at Camp Roberts Army Base. He served as a military policeman for 16 months at Pong Am Do, Korea. After his discharge, he moved his wife, Marion and baby daughter, Marilyn, to Billings, Montana.

He worked for the railroad, and later joining the Billings Police Department. He was a well respected juvenile detective. He was instrumental in organizing the Crime Prevention Program and appeared on Crime Stopper's TV segment. He retired in 1976 from the Billings Police Department and continued in law enforcement with Billings Sheriff Department for 15 more years. He received recognition by receiving Policeman of the Year and Deputy of the Year. In his spare time, he enjoyed golfing, bowling, fishing and traveling to visit his children and grandchildren.

He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Lakehill's Golf Club for seniors, and served on the board of the Rimrock Credit Union for many years. He was a member of St. Bernard's Catholic Church, which he served as an usher and Eucharistic Minister. His Catholic faith was very important to him. Al enjoyed his family get-togethers and spending time with his friends. Al was a quiet and gentle man. He seldom said a negative word about anyone.

He will be greatly missed by his three daughters, one son and their spouses, his precious grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He leaves behind his wife of 62 years, Marion, daughter and husband, Marilyn (Bob) Hardy, from Coeur d'Alene, Idaho; Debra (Pat) Miller, from Townsend, Montana; Patti (Terry) Doble, and only son and his wife, Greg (Lyn) Oldham, both of Billings. He was blessed with 12 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren and many friends.

Visitation will be on Monday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Vigil Service on Monday, 7 p.m. at Dahl Funeral Chapel. A Funeral Mass will be on Tuesday at 12 p.m. at St. Bernard's with a reception to follow. A private family interment will be at the Yellowstone County Veterans Cemetery. Arrangements are in the care of Dahl Funeral Chapel and memories may be shared with the family at www.dahlfuneralchapel.com.

Charles City Press - 22 JAN 2013