Hamilton – Daniel “Hoke” Robert Kearney of Hamilton passed away at the age of 72 at Community Hospital in Missoula June 26th, 2022 after a long battle with cancer.
He was born April 3rd, 1950 in Victor, Montana, the son of the late Richard and Gladys Kearney (McHatton).
He was raised on the family cattle ranch in Corvallis, Montana with his brother Jim Kearney and sister Kathy (Mosbrucker) Kearney. They worked hard from sun up to sun down. Dan and Jim would often be found raising cain on the back roads of Corvallis in their old Willys jeep with their buddies, fishing, dragging home Indian motorcycle parts – later to be buried by their father who thought they were junk at that time – and occasionally sneaking into the hot springs. All despite the warnings they got from their sister Kathy.
Dan made the choice to fight for his country and enlisted in the Marine Corps in October 1968. He was sent to Okinawa in April 1969 where he participated in Operations: “Purple Martin”, “Main Craig”, “Virginia Ridge”, “Apache Snow”, “Idaho Canyon”, “Arlington Canyon”, and “Highrise”. He was promoted to Lance Corporal during this time and later Honorably Discharged on August 13th, 1974. His medals and decorations included National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Republic Vietnam Meritorious Unit Commendation-Cross of Gallantry.
He spent the rest of his days logging, running his sawmill “Hokewood Logging”, fishing, riding his Harley and spending time with his family and friends – and yes…still raising cain.
Dan is survived by his son, James; daughter-in-law, Misty; grandkids, Bryson, Seth and Milly; brother, Jim Kearney, Jim’s sweetheart Caroline; sister, Kathy Kearney (Mosbrucker), Kathy’s husband, Mike Mosbrucker; nieces, nephews and many friends that will miss his jokes, smiling face and big heart!
Pallbearers are Jim Kearney, James Kearney, Bryson Kearney and Seth Kearney.
Visitation will be held Friday, July 8th from 12 to 2 p.m. at the Daly-Leach Chapel in Hamilton.
Burial with Military Honors will be held Friday, July 8th at 3 p.m. at Riverview Cemetery in Hamilton. A Celebration of Life will be held at The Eagles following the burial service. Condolences may be left for the family at www.dalyleachchapel.com.
The family suggests that memorials be made to Disabled American Veterans at www.dav.org.