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(July 8, 1925 - May 1, 2011)
Harold Keith Elton, 85, of Billings, died May 1, 2011, at home surrounded by family and friends. He was born on July 8, 1925, in Warren, Mont., the son of the late Audrey and Samuel Elton. He was the second oldest of six siblings.
On Nov. 23, 1943, he married Martha Bernice Slater, who is now deceased. He served in the U.S. Army in World War II. He was reported missing in action and later confirmed as a POW at the Battle of the Bulge. He was also the recipient of the Purple Heart. After his discharge, he was quite the entrepreneur, with many business ventures.
He is survived by his second wife, Vi Elton, of 28 years; his two sons, Harold (Claudia) Elton of Powell, Cal (Melissa) Elton of Casper; sister Wanita (Jim) Glasgow of Casper and brother Virgil Elton of Warren; 12 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. He also leaves five stepchildren, three step-grandchildren and two step-great-grandchildren.
Keith was preceded in death by his first wife, Martha Bernice; son Rick; daughter Debbie; brother Gene; and sisters Thelma and Shirley.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, May 6, at Smith’s West Chapel, 304 34th St. West in Billings, at 10 a.m., followed by refreshments. Military honors will follow at Crown Hill Cemetery in Powell at 3 p.m.
