Edward E. 'Buck' Yonally

Edward E. “Buck” Yonally, 86, of Libby died Saturday, Dec. 12, 2009 at the Libby Care Center from natural causes.

He was born Feb. 21, 1923 in Wichita, Kan. He attended high school in Formosa, Kan., where he graduated in three years. He enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps following graduation and served for 4 1/2 years. He served in both the Pacific and in Europe.

He married Phyllis in 1970 in a church wedding in Oklahoma. Mr. Yonally had attended Bible College and was also a contractor. He moved to the Billings area and worked in the refinery and as a building contractor. He later moved to Hot Springs, S.D. to work at the Indian Mission before returning to Billings. He retired in Libby in 1993.

Mr. Yonally single-handedly constructed a house in Libby. He enjoyed traveling and had traveled extensively to Washington, eastern Montana, California and Kansas to visit his children. He was actively involved in the Church of God. He enjoyed his garden, astronomy, walks, reading, his neighbors and his dogs.

His son, Duane, preceded him in death.  

Survivors include his wife, Phyllis Yonally of Libby; children, Joyce Yonally of Salina, Kan.; Norman Yonally of Lind, Wash.; Jeanne Yonally of Tyler, Texas; and Dale Yonally of Billings.

Services will be Thursday, Dec. 17 at 1 p.m. at the Schnackenberg & Nelson Funeral Home in Libby.  Visitation will be from 1-8 p.m. on Wednesday.