Lester "Red" Brothers

Lester "Red" Brothers, 69, died Sunday, March 12, 2006, at his home in Libby from natural causes.

He was born June 21, 1936 in Deadwood, S.D., to Melvin and Cecil Moore Brothers. He spent most of his time in North Dakota where he attended school. As a young man he farmed and broke horses.

He moved to Libby at the age of 21 and went to work for J. Neils Lumber Company subsequently St. Regis Paper Co., Champion International and Stimson Lumber Co.

Red married Carol Olbekson on Aug. 29, 1958 in Libby. He enjoyed racing stockcars and had helped build the first racetrack in Libby. He also enjoyed fishing, hunting, woodworking, model airplanes, restoring old cars and, most important of all, spending time with his family. He was a loving husband and father.

Survivors include his wife Carol of Libby; 9 children: Don Brothers and wife Ann of Libby; Marianne Orr and husband D.C. of Libby; Les Brothers and wife Cindy of Libby; Channy Payne and husband Terry of Blairsville, Ga.; Kenny Brothers of Libby; Julie Luce and husband Bill of Palmer, Alaska; Shane Brothers and wife Jennifer of Kennewick, Wash.; Staci Manson and husband Jeff of Spokane, Wash.; Traci Bauer and husband George of Libby; a brother Melvin "Ike" Brothers of Peyton, Colo.; 24 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.

Services will be Thursday, March 16, 2006, at 2 p.m. at the Libby Christian Church in Libby. Visitation will be from 1 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday.

Local arrangements are by the Nelson and Vial Funeral Home in Libby.