Raymond Lincoln

Raymond E. Lincoln, 95, of Great Falls died at the Grandview on February 25, 2014. Graveside services are 11a.m. Friday, April 4 at Mount Olivet Cemetery. O’Connor Funeral Home is handling arrangements. Ray was born on May 1, 1918 south of Inverness, Montana to Fred R. and Anna (Kubis) Lincoln. He attended Cockerall Springs Elementary School and Inverness High School and worked on the family ranch and farm. In 1940 Ray married AnnaBelle Steffen in Everett, Washington. During World War II Ray worked for Boeing Aircraft in Everett. He also worked as a heavy equipment operator preparing the airstrip for the Marine Air Base in Yuma, Arizona. Ray and AnnaBelle farmed south of Joplin, Montana for more than 50 years. Ray’s satisfaction in life was building up his farm and improving his land. He also became an accomplished carpenter and welder. As a carpenter he helped renovate the Inverness Catholic Church. His welding became an art form, creating many beautiful and useful works. Giving to and helping his family, neighbors and community was very important to Ray. In 1977, Ray and AnnaBelle bought a home in Great Falls where he enjoyed home improvement and yard work. He was an avid bowler, but also enjoyed swimming and golf. Sisters Adelle (Vernan) Alessandroni of Old Greenwich, CT; Lottie (Fred) Bourdeau of Great Falls; and several nieces and nephews survive Ray. Ray was preceded in death by his wife, AnnaBelle; his sister Esther Lonergan; and brothers Albert Lincoln and Charlie Lincoln.