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Official Obituary of

Louis "Sam" Vollice Braswell

February 19, 1933 ~ April 2, 2014 (age 81) 81 Years Old

Louis Braswell Obituary

Louis “Sam” Braswell, 81, of Laurel, died Wednesday April 2, 2014 after extended failing health in Billings. He was born to Burl and Emma Neil (Farmer) Braswell February 19, 1933 in Crystal Springs, Mississippi. Sam worked as a Seismic Driller’s Helper in 1950 and traveled north, working in 13 different states before eventually coming to Fallon, Montana in 1952. He met the love of his life, Donella “Dee” Gebhardt at a Fallon County dance in May and they were married October 17, in Miles City of that year. The couple continued to travel with Sam’s work and lived in Roundup, Glendive and finally making Laurel their home. Together they raised three children. Sam worked for Glacier Bit Service in 1960 and acquired his Private Pilot’s License. He owned several airplanes, his first a J3 Piper Cub, later Cessna’s, Piper’s and a Bonanza and then settled back to a Piper Cub which he based at his ranchette near Laurel. Sam had a passion for motorcycles and cars. He purchased a Triumph Bonneville, later BSA’a and then realizing his dream of owning a Harley Davidson. He continued this love of Harley’s even after his health made it impossible to ride anymore. He owned a number of luxury cars and a Corvette Sting Ray! In 1966, Sam and Dee began Midland Tool and Supply in Billings and successfully operated it for 34 years. He also taught himself to play the guitar and formed the country music band the Tavern Travelers. Sam mastered the guitar, banjo, ukulele, Omni chord and harmonica; owning several six and twelve string guitars including a Martin and Gibson. His favorite was the Gibson J50 that he cherished until the time of his passing. In 1977, Sam made an album, “Looking Back with Sam Braswell” at the Jester Sound Studio. Sam enjoyed singing and playing for residents and staff at the extended care facility where he resided following his illnesses. Left to cherish Sam’s memory is his wife of 61 years, Dee; daughter Becky; son Kelly; four grandchildren and two great-grandsons. He was preceded in death by his daughter Candis, his parents and two brothers. At Sam’s request, there will be a private Memorial Service at a later date. “Sam, we love you and miss you, please know you’ll be in our hearts forever…”

He was an ace marksman, incredible BBQ-er, and a master joke teller and gardener; he grew the most beautiful red tomatoes this side of the Mississippi River; he would take his kids and grandkids down to the garden with a salt shaker and pick and eat fresh tomatoes picked right off the vine. He was an expert ice cream maker, and in the wintertime he would have his kids go get snow and he'd make ice cream out of snow and vanilla and milk. He loved Montana and all it had to offer. He knew every river and stream in the state of Montana and the best times to fish. He taught his son Kelly and grandson Tyler how to fish, who continue to have a love and compassion for fishing. He was a wonderful provider for his family, and always had a boat in which to go fishing. He and Dee spent a lot of time at Canyon Ferry after they retired. He made his kids learn how to change a flat tire and change their own oil before they could drive a car. Camping at Yellowstone Lake was one of his favorite places to go, and he always made sure his daughter Becky had her own horse.

Sam was a wonderful man, a true southern gentleman, and he will be in our hearts forever.

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