John Lawrence Gallagher, 85 of Havre, Montana passed away December 1, 2015. He was born July 16, 1930 in Charlo, Montana. He graduated from Charlo High School in 1948 and enlisted in the US Army 1951. He served in Korea for two years and was honorably discharged in 1953 as a Private First Class. He then moved to Billings, Montana where he met the love of his life Carolynne Richardson. They married April 4, 1960 and moved to Havre, Montana, where they settled South East of Havre and raised their 11 children.

He was a Life member of the American Legion and the DAV. He was a member of the VFW and served on the Montana State Veterans Affairs board. He was a Past Commander of the DAV and the American Legion and advocated on behalf of countless Veterans and Veteran's issues both locally and State wide. John served on many community boards and helped initiate many community programs, such as the Wounded Warrior Program, The White Cross Program, The Purple Heart Program, DAV transportation van, HRDC, and the Neighborhood Youth Program. In 1971 he was the driving force behind starting the local union. He was instrumental in starting the Havre Boxing Club and served as head boxing coach.

His greatest loves in life were his wife Carol, all of his children, livestock, gardening, and wine making.

He is survived by his wife Carol of the family home, his children Robert of Las Vegas, Nevada, Terry of Rushville, Nebraska, Julie Skramstad of Havre, Montana, Angela (David) O'Neil of Malta, Montana, Jeanne Davis of Havre, Montana, Cathleen (Steve) Fisher of Great Falls, Montana, James (Alana) Gallagher of San Diego, California, Karen (Brett) McCrummen of Billings, Montana, Daniel (Michelle) of Harker Lake, Texas, Jacqueline Gallagher of Billings, Montana and Michael (Amanda) of Shepherd, Montana; 34 grandchildren, 36 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild. He is also survived by siblings Edward, Dan, Patricia "Tish", Frances "Fran", Ethel and Rita.

He was preceded in death by his parents Francis "Frank" and Mabel Gallagher; brothers Seumas "Jim" and George; sisters, Mabel "Doll" Felton, Genevieve "Genie" Low, Colleen Paul, Betty Ann Gallagher; two granddaughters and one great grandson.

Funeral services will be held Friday, December 11, 2015, at 1:00 pm at St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church at 610 4th Street in Havre, Montana with Father Daniel Wathen officiating. Holland & Bonine Funeral Home has been entrusted with services and arrangements. Please leave a message of condolence for the family at www.hollandbonine.com. Interment will follow at the Highland Cemetery at 400 9th Street W with full Military Honors. A reception will follow the graveside service at St. Jude Parish Center at 440 7th Avenue.