Billy ‘Bear’ Hampton, 71, of Ola, Idaho, passed away June 17, 2010, at the West Valley Medical Center in Caldwell, Idaho.
A celebration of ‘Bear's’ life was held at the Ola Community Hall June 23, 2010. Please visit the Ola Community web site, www.olacommunitynewsletter.com to see the balloons. Bear always said it just was not a party without balloons.
Billy Wayne Shrum was born May ll, 1939, in Jay, Oklahoma, the son of Rossine Shrum, of Webb City, Missouri. He grew up in Wyndotte, Oklahoma. Billy married Patsy Coffman in 1957. They made there home in the Warrensburg, Concordia, Missouri area.
As an unattended youngster Billy grew and was nurtured by nature around him and the welcome homes of the families of Wyndotte. He learned early in life to hunt and fish. Building on that experience, he became to those whose lives he touched, the “professional” to consult for hunting and fishing wherever he was.
Rodeo competition attracted Billy. He rode bulls, roped, and finished that career as a Rodeo Clown, a very appropriate vocation for a man who was interested in making people happy.
Billy, known as “Sugar Bear” drove for National Carriers trucking firm until his retirement in 1989. Every mile he traveled added a new acquaintance. It was impossible to say hello without Billy knowing where you were from and why you were here. He took the time to be personally interested in every person he met. He always remembered your name and the vehicle you drove.
After retirement Billy ‘Bear’ came to the South Fork Lodge in Lowman, Idaho to manage the “Dirt Room” bar. He operated South Fork Adventures as an outfitter and guide, until January of 1995, when the Lodge burned.
Billy married Ellen Shaw on December 28, 1995. They were married in Ola at the Ola Inn. Bear occupied the stool just inside the front door at the Inn ready to offer “wisdom”, stories, and advice to anyone who entered. The focus of his life in these last months was to be sure the door was unlocked and coffee ready to serve at seven AM. Bear's health had been failing – those cigarettes and diabetes – for better than a year, but he did not allow those who stopped by to know. His dear friend Walt was close at his side to take up the slack.
He was preceeded in death by his mother, Rossine Hampton and step-father Irvin Hampton, grandson, Bret Gilliland, his brother-in-law Jerry Callihan, and two nephews Mathew and Luke Callihan, and his former wife Patsy Howe.
Survivors include: three children, Debra Gillihand, James Hampton, and Darla Collins, eight grandchildren, and fifteen great grandchildren, and a large extended family.
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