Robert E. Cummings

Robert E. Cummings, 85, a retired salesman, construction worker, carpenter, and amateur farmer passed away of natural causes in the arms of his wife, Judy, on January 27, 2022, at his residence. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date. Bob or “Bobby Gene” as he was known by his friends, was born on March 11, 1936, in Fairview, Montana. He and his family then moved to Havre and later settled in Great Falls. He went to school at St. Mary’s and then Great Falls Central, graduating in 1954. He joined the Air National Guard and served 21 years both full time and part time. He then went to work for the Kessners. Under the supervision of Bill, he became a pretty darn good carpenter and concrete man. After spending some time doing carpenter work, he went to work for the Lewis family at Western Sign. Bob peddled signs, and since he had a gift of gab, he was a very good salesman. Several of the neon signs that Bob sold are still hanging in Great Falls and up and down the hi-line, blinking away. He moved to road work for the Lewis’ and spent several years making highways safe with guardrails and delineators and those wonderful rest stop ahead signs. Between all of his day jobs, he and a friend started North Montana Wrestlers. He coached many kids in the fine art of wrestling. He would take them all over the state for their matches. In 1978 he decided to go into business for himself being a carpenter-contractor. He remodeled many businesses in Great Falls and built houses and duplexes and, of course, many other things pertaining to carpentry. He was a perfectionist, but if he could not get something flush, he would say “Goin’ 50 miles an hour on a white horse at midnight no one will ever see it.” When business slowed down in 1986, he packed up his wife and moved to a farm on the north bench of Highwood. They stayed there for 24 years. He did just what he wanted. He raised chickens, turkeys, sheep, and a herd of cattle. He would get upset with his wife as she would name the cows and baby calves and then he was not allowed to sell any animal that had a name. During that time, he had several rescue dogs and cats. He built a beautiful wagon for his friend so he could use it in the parades in Fort Benton. He would be at the disposal of the superintendent of the Highwood school, Jeff Blessem. There were so many projects to do at the school. Also, for all of his farmer neighbors, they always needed a kitchen or bathroom remodeled, or wallpaper to be hung, or grain to be hauled. When his chickens and turkeys needed to be butchered, he would call all the neighbors for a good old plucking party. In 2009, Bob’s health failed him which prompted their moved to town. He slowed down and life turned on him. As one high school friend, Dean Smith, remembered Bob, such phrases as sparkling waters, charmer, big line, carefree, tough exterior, gentle, generous, fun-loving soul, and full of mischief. Something Bob always said, “I try to have a laugh and a giggle every day of my life.” Bob is survived by his wife of 54 years Judy Holman; daughter, Kathleen (Fritz) Scholter; sons, Charles, Clair (Cheryl), Clark, and Casey (Beth); grandkids, Eric (Lindsey), Jared, Taylor, Robert, Claira, Kelli (D.J.) Cantu, and Sarah; Shaka, his dog; and many nieces and nephews. His parents and two sisters preceded him in death.