Walter Dailey Reid

Walter D. Reid loved farming.  He was never happier than when he was out on his land in a tractor or combine.  He could be found just last fall working the trees and grading the roads on his farm.  Pretty good for 92!

Walt passed away on April 29, 2024.  The family is so grateful for all the wonderful care he received at Hospice. A service celebrating his life will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 7th, 2024, at the Benton Funeral Home Chapel with Jeff Tackes officiating. A burial will follow with military honors at the Riverside Cemetery. Memorials in Walter's honor may be made to: Samaritan's Purse – Billy Graham Association or to a memorial of the donor's choice. Please visit Walter's online memorial to send a card or leave a message of condolence for his family at www.bentonfh.com.

Walter Dailey Reid was born on July 20, 1931, to Louisa and Walter Reid.  He was known to his classmates in Geraldine as Junior. Walt served in the US Army in Korea from 1951 to 1953.  He was proud to have served his country.  In 1956, the boy from Geraldine met a girl from Fort Benton and they fell in love.  Walt and Karen met while attending college at Northern University.  They met in January and married in July, quite a whirlwind romance that has lasted for 68 years.  Walt worked at Chet's Chevrolet in Fort Benton, instilling in him a lifelong love of Chevy automobiles, of which he had many.  He began farming in 1962 when he took over his father's farm.  He and Karen farmed on weekends, and he took his vacation in the summer to complete harvest.  In 1967, they expanded their farm and Agra Reid was founded.

Walt was quite the innovator.  If he couldn't find a piece of equipment, he would build his own.  You had to be strong to use some of his creations, but they have stood the test of time and are still used today.   He took a class on how to AI cattle and was proud of his temperate and healthy herd.  Walt would plant test plots of different varieties of wheat, constantly looking to improve his yield.  He also won several awards at the Choteau County Milling and Baking contest. Walt never stopped trying to innovate and improve his farm.

Walt and Karen led the Whirley Bird youth group at the Christian church.  They had several sledding parties at the farm and took the group on outings to Malmstrom and the movies.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Brothers; Howard and John Reid; Sisters, Betty Reid Michael, and Margaret Reid Thune.

Walter is survived by his wife, Karen, and four children: Dave (Pam), Cindy, Dan, and Don (Katrina) as well as 8 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.