Monte Curran

Monte Curran, 70 of Mountain Home, passed away at his home on Sunday, Aug. 7, 2016, following an illness. A memorial service with military honors will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 15, 2016, at Rost Funeral Home, McMurtrey Chapel, in Mountain Home.

Monte was born in Pocatello, Idaho, on June 13, 1946, to Harry and LaRee Curran. In 1956, he moved to Mountain Home with his mother.

Later, while completing school in France, he met the love of his life, Rachel. They immediately fell in love and were engaged at the age of 18 in Crepy-En-Laonnois, France. Monte returned to the USA in September 1965, and on Sept. 17, 1965, he enlisted into the United States Air Force.

Monte was stationed in Glasgow Air Force Base, Mont., and a year later was stationed in Bitburg Air Base, Germany, where he was assigned to Air Rescue and was a crew member on a HH-43B helicopter and fire protection.

Monte and Rachel were so happy to finally be together again and were married Nov. 18, 1967, in Crepy-En-Laonnois, France. A year later, they had their first daughter, Ivy.

In 1969, Monte honorably separated from the Air Force, and they returned to Mountain Home, Idaho. Monte became employed as a police officer in Mountain Home. In April 1971, they had their second bundle of joy, Camille (Camy).

A few months later, Monte decided to go back into the Air Force and make it a career. This time, they were stationed at Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash., where he was a crew chief on B-52 bombers. Later, during the Vietnam War, he was deployed for lengthy periods of time and then sent to Utapao, Thailand, for a year to support the war in Southeast Asian Theater.

Monte returned to Fairchild Air Force Base and was transferred to RAF Fairford, England, in 1979. Monte ended his career at Beale Air Force Base, Calif., in 1987. After retiring from the Air Force, Monte and his family returned to Mountain Home where he became a Deputy Sheriff with Elmore County where he worked for 20 years until retiring in 2007.

Monte enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping and archery. His passion in life was his wife, Rachel, and his daughters, and he was so proud of his grandsons, Ivan, Camren and Issac.

Monte was truly adored by his French family. They were always there for him and loved to listen to his stories and jokes. He was a life time member of the DAV, American Legion and The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. His bright smile, quick wit and humor will sadly be missed by all.

Monte is survived by his wife, Rachel; daughters Ivy (Kevin) Dill and Camille (Thad) Gaspard; grandsons Ivan, Camren and Issac; and his sister, Judy Curran; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Monte is preceded in death by both his parents and a brother.

Memorial contributions can be made in Monte's name to The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, P.O. Box 8249 Missoula, MT 59808; Meals on Wheels 1000 North 3rd East St., Mountain Home, ID 83647; Mountain Home, Arts Council, P.O. Box 974 Mountain Home, ID 83647; or St. Luke's MISTI Center, 100 East Idaho St., Boise ID, 83712.