Retired United States Air Force Colonel Howard Howie J. Bear, 75, of Montgomery, Ala., passed away Tuesday morning, June 22, 2010, after a long illness. Col. Bear was born Dec. 4, 1934, in Kalispell, to Marion and Marie Bear. He was raised in Kalispell. Upon graduation from the Montana School of Mines, he was a high school math teacher, a proud member of the Masonic Lodge No. 42 A.F. and A.M., and a member of the Montana Air National Guard. His dedication to his country led him to a career in the United States Air Force where he provided honorable and distinguished service as a tactical fighter pilot. Col. Bear enjoyed a long and celebrated career in the military as a wing commander and with several command assignments, and he earned numerous decorations and medals, such as the Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, and other medals earned for distinguished service in Vietnam. After retiring from the U.S. Air Force and locating to Montgomery, Col. Bear was instrumental in the growth and development of Max Federal Credit Union, where he provided service as a board member for many years. We celebrate the life of Col. Bear, a man who loved his country and his family, Howie to his friends and neighbors, and beloved Poppie to his three grandchildren. Col. Bear was preceded in death by his parents, Marion L. and Marie K. Bear. He is survived by his wife, Rae, of Montgomery; his son, Mark, and Robyn Bridges, of Auburn, Ala.; his three grandchildren, Carlyn, Samantha and Sam Bridges Jr., all of Auburn; and sisters, Marilyn Servoss of Kalispell, Meredith Mott of Destin, Fla., and Glenna Small of Kalispell. He was also loved and admired by a host of nieces and nephews. Graveside services for Mr. Bear will be held at 9:30 a.m., Monday, June 28, at C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery in Kalispell. In honor of Col. Bear s deep love and compassion for animals, the family requests that donations be made to a local humane society. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Howie family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and sign Howie s guest book.