Anthony "Tony" Mcallister

Anthony Tony McAllister, 92, beloved husband, father, and grandfather passed away on Wednesday, August 21st at Peace Hospice following an extended illness.A vigil will be held Sunday August 25th at 5 p.m. at Hillcrest Lawn Memorial, 1410 13th Street South. Funeral services will be held Monday, August 26th at 12 p.m. at St. Anns Cathedral, 715 3rd Avenue North.Tony was born December 1, 1920 in Belt, MT to Stephen and Rose McAllister.Tony was one of 15 children raised on the family farm outside of Geyser, MT.Following the death of his mother, Tony, age 5, and his youngest siblings, spent 3 years in St. Thomas Orphanage attending school and returning home during the summers.At age 8, he returned to the family farm and attended Geyser School where he graduated in 1940.Tony was a man of many trades. After high school, he worked as shoe repair technician and a drug store employee. Dreaming of travel and adventure, Tony joined the civil service after being denied entrance by the United States Military because of his height. During his career, he traveled many places and was commissioned because of his small stature to repair the inside of the wings of the Memphis Bell.Tony also worked as a bell hop for the Park Hotel where he met the love of his life, Arletta Faye Christensen when she was 14. Arletta knew the moment she met Tony that he would be her husband. On April 30, 1951 the young couple was married. Four children, Arlyss, Arlen, Arden Tim, and Carol Annie followed. Tony and Arletta made their home Great Falls, MT where they raised their children.In 1972, Tony and his family moved to Havre where he took a position as the manager of the 4Bs and Red Lion. Tony loved his job and met many wonderful people during his 16 years with the company.In 1988, Tony retired and returned to Geyser briefly before making his home in Sun Prairie Village where he lived until passing away.Tony was an active member of St. Anns Perish and The Knights of Columbus.Tony is survived by his wife Arletta, his children Arlyss, Tim, and Annette, 13 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Stephen and Rose, 12 siblings, a son, Arlen, and a grandson, Arlen.In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Tonys name to St. Anns Restoration or Peace Hospice of Montana.