Robert M. Putman, 89, passed away Monday, Feb. 5, 2007, at Heritage Place in Kalispell. He was born July 20, 1917, in Kalispell to Glenn G. and Nellie (Schafer) Putman.

Robert received his early education in the valley, graduating from Flathead County High School in Kalispell. He worked with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers before attending technical school in Los Angeles. He returned to the Flathead Valley and continued his work as an electrician.

Robert married Theo Mae Adams on Oct. 6, 1939, in Kalispell. His electrical work evolved into a position with the phone company. He took an early retirement but then became a private contractor for the phone company doing telephone traffic surveys. He enjoyed this period of his career most, as he was able to have Theo travel with him all across the Western United States. Robert retired again in the late 1980s.

He was a member of the First Baptist Church and enjoyed traveling with his wife. They were able to travel to Australia and New Zealand for their 50th wedding anniversary. They loved to winter in Arizona and spend summers at the house on Ashley Lake.

Robert was preceded in death by his wife, Theo, in 2005; daughter, Nancy Putman; two brothers and one sister.

He is survived by one daughter, Sandra Aderholt, of Kalispell; and a son, Wayne Putman, and wife, Jeannie, of Gig Harbor, Wash.; two grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, three great-great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services for Robert will be held at 1:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 9, in the Johnson Mortuary chapel, with Pastor Jim Sandholdt of the First Baptist Church of Kalispell officiating. Visitation will be Friday from 9 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will be in the C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery.

Johnson Mortuary and Crematory is caring for Robert's family.