Franklin Hal Fleming

Franklin Hal Fleming

Dec. 28, 1934 – Jan. 20, 2022

Franklin Hal Fleming left this world on the evening of January 20 while watching TV with his wife, Gert.

On December 28, 1934, Franklin was born to Hal and Icel Fleming in Frannie, where he was born and raised in the same house, joining his siblings, Art, Elma, Bill and Audrey. He attended Deaver-Frannie schools and graduated in 1953. 

Frank worked for his dad as an oil field contractor in the Frannie oil field and also hauled water and gravel from Warren, Montana. He was drafted into the Army in 1956 at 22 years old and completed basic training at Fort Carson, Colorado. He was stationed in Wertheim, Germany, until 1959, where he served as a medic and was certified as a welder in the Army’s engineering program. After returning home, Frank worked with his father and eventually bought the business. 

In 1962 he met Gert Shae at the Billings airport. That same year they were married, and they raised five children, Renee, Rusty, Mike, Rick and Jason. He worked and ran Fleming Trucking and Contracting until 1984 when he downsized. Frank continued to work for himself and other contractors until he retired around 2005. 

Frank especially enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping with his family. He would take his family fishing for the day in the Beartooths, often running to his favorite fishing spot and leaving the kids behind with Gert. He would fish all day, and generally not get back to the car until after dark. They would then load up the kids and go home so he could be back to work the next day. 

Frank was dedicated to serving the community of Frannie and served in the Lions Club, as a Boy Scout leader and on town, cemetery and school boards. Over the last few years, he especially enjoyed the Fleming Family camping, fishing and elk hunting trips with his family and friends.  

He was preceded in death by his son, Michael, parents and his siblings.

Frank is survived by his wife, Gert; children Renee (Tim), Rusty (Tempe), Rick and Jason (Christy); four grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make donations to a charity of your choice or to the Michael Fleming Scholarship Fund at Northwest College in memory of Frank Fleming.  

A Catholic Mass and funeral is planned for Saturday, Jan. 29, at 10 a.m. at St. Barbara’s Catholic Church in Powell. Following the service, a short graveside blessing will be held at the Deaver Cemetery with a luncheon at the Deaver Town Hall.