Walter Newton, the Original Marlboro Cowboy, has left the ranch, one month shy of his 98th birthday.

Walter Newton was born January 16, 1917, in Roundup MT to Park and Edna (Dick) Newton. Walter was raised on the family ranch with three siblings.

Walter was never afraid of a good time and during a dance at Cushman, he met the love of his life, Eleanor Lewis. Eleanor and Walter married April 16, 1938 and provided the perfect balance for one another – soon two beautiful daughters followed.

Walter was always known as a practical joker with a quick wit. Family members regularly had their thumb lodged in a stick of butter at the table or maybe a wad of paper or peanut might be stuffed in your boot or hat.

Walter was not afraid of work to support his family and tried his hand at a variety of occupations, including bus driver, mine worker, gas station manager, dynamite hauler and transport work – but his only goal in life was to be a rancher; which he did quite successfully. Walter loved to play as much as work and was a founding member of the Roundup Ridge Riders, last surviving member of the Musselshell Valley Rodeo Association and active in the Masons and the Shriners.

Walter was never a taker but forever the giver. If anyone needed equipment, a place to house livestock for a bit or just a hand, Walter was happy to provide.

A special thanks to Dr. Larry Severa and the wonderful staff at the Butterfly Homes for their compassion and care.

Walter is survived by his sister Marion Wanchena, daughters Erna (Chuck) Crouse, Oral Swanson; grandchildren Mitch (Jana) Crouse, Camala (Kevin) Croff, Sam (Heidi) Swanson; great-grandchildren Dara & Ellie Crouse, Mikayla & Teal Croff and Ruger Swanson. He is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Eleanor of 62 years; brother Herbert, sister Bertha Tucker and son-in-law Dick Swanson.

Visitation will take place 6-8pm, Tues. Dec. 9 at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary. A graveside memorial service at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Billings with Masonic Rites will take place Wednesday, Dec. 10 at 1pm with a reception following at the Billings Masonic Temple. Memorials may be made to Shrine Children’s Hospital or one of your choice.