On October 10, 2013 at 8:25 a.m. Earl (Coconut) O’Leary was greeted by Jesus at the gates of Heaven.
On February 3, 1934 he was born the 7th child of 12 in Donna, Texas. In 1945, at the age of 12, he moved with his family to Butte, MT. In 1946 the family relocated to Clancy and eventually moved to Helena. Coconut and his 5 brothers started the Helena Boxing Club and were known as “The Fighting O’Leary’s”. He won the Montana National Guard featherweight championship in 1959.
Coconut enlisted in the Army in 1952 and served in Korea for 1 year, 2 months and 16 days. In 1955 he was released from active military service and transferred to the Army Reserve. He retired in 1980 and was placed on the retired list as Sergeant First Class (E7). He was recipient of the Combat Infantry Badge, the Korean Service Medal with 2 Bronze Service Stars, the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal and a Good Conduct Medal.
He married Constance (Connie) West on February 9, 1957. They spent the next 51 years raising their 6 children and granddaughter, Trasa. Lovingly known as Poppie, he enjoyed watching his many grandchildren and great grandchildren grow sharing his candied orange slices and other sweets. He looked forward to his sons and grandsons bringing him their deer, elk, mountain goats and mountain lions so he could show pictures and brag about them to his friends at the Red Roof Café where he enjoyed coffee and day old donuts every morning.
Coconut enjoyed ice fishing at the Helena Reservoir and the Causeway with his brother, Red. He enjoyed hunting with his two sons and enjoyed supplementing his income by playing poker.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Connie, his son, Rodney and his granddaughter, Heather. He is survived by his children Penny of Helena, Debbie of Rapid City, Herb (Marcy) of Helena, Tammy (Brian) of East Helena, Earl Jr. (Kimmer) of East Helena, 15 grandchildren, numerous great grandchildren, brothers Avery (Donna) and Curly (Lois), Sisters, Jimmie Lee (Troy), Jeanette (Dan), Esther, and Sharon Kay and many nieces, nephews and friends.
A memorial service will be held at Twichel Funeral Home, 314 N Rodney, Helena at 12:30 pm October 18, 2013. Full Military Honors will be held at Fort Harrison at 2pm with a reception following at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 1867 N Washington, Helena.
Service Schedule
Service Schedule
Share
Reader Interactions
Memories
Read the thoughts and memories, then feel free to add your own.
Troyetta Kuchera says
I’m so sorry for your loss. Visiting Uncle Coconut was always fun, he always had some funny story to tell and was always laughing. I really enjoyed listening to him and Mom tell stories of the old days. He will be so missed by so many. Troyetta Kuchera
Connie Hand says
Poppie was such a wonderful man, always so giving and loving of his family. Whenever I joined the O’Leary’s for family functions, he always made me feel so welcome and part of the family. My heart goes out to you all and I send you much love.
Connie
Williams family says
Condolences to the O’Leary family. Our thoughts and prayers go out to your whole family. Psalms 147:3 says God, “is healing the broken hearted ones, and is binding up their painful spots.” May God bring you comfort and peace.
Janie L Schultz says
I’m sorry for you loss. Mom always talked a lot about him.
Janie Lyn Schultz (Isaacson)
Kathy Peers says
I am so sorry for your loss- I remember spending time at his house with my cousins when i was younger- Mostly with Herbie and Debbie- Kathy Peers ( Aunt Jeanette’s daughter)