Joseph H. Burnham

HAMILTON – Joseph H. Burnham, 82, of Hamilton passed away unexpectedly at his home on Thursday, February 25, 2016.  He was born December 23, 1933 in McGrath, MN the son of Joseph C. and Ellen (Tatro) Burnham.

Joe graduated from Missoula County High School.  After school he enlisted into the U.S. Navy and served until his honorable discharge.  Joe married Betty Schmelebeck on July 18, 1964.  He worked for the Northern Pacific Railroad, and he also did construction, including work on the Libby Dam, the Missoula County Courthouse and the University of Montana.

Joe loved to raise and show rabbits and was a member of the Missoula Rabbit Breeders Association.  He drove stock cars for many years and was a member of the Garden City Speedway.  Joe loved to race in Northwest Montana on weekends with his family and friends.  He was also a longtime member of the Loyal Order of the Moose in Missoula and a lifetime member of VFW Post #1507 in Stevensville where he served on the Honor Guard.

Joe was an avid outdoorsman.  He loved to hunt, fish and enjoyed taking hikes with his faithful companion, Duke.

Joe was preceded in death by his loving wife, Betty; his parents; his sisters, Helen Biggins, Dorothy Beebe, Alice McClure and Violet Anderson; his nieces, Becky and Betsy Beebe; and his grandson, Ryan Burnham.  He is survived by his daughters, Diane (Bill) Johnson, Darla Burnham, Tami (Ron) Burnham and Brandi (Joe) Turney; his sons, Dean (Kim) Burnham, Don (Tammy) Burnham and Brian (Carol) Burnham; his step-son, David Koepplin; 17 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life for Joe and Betty Burnham will be held on Friday, March 11, 2016 at 11:00 am at the Daly-Leach Chapel with a reception immediately following in the funeral home’s community room.  Graveside services with Military Honors will be held on Friday at 3:30 pm at the Western Montana Veterans Cemetery in Missoula.

The family suggests that memorials be made in Joe’s name to the Stevensville VFW Post #1507, P.O. Box 441 Stevensville, MT  59870.