Martin Thomas Badura

Martin Thomas Badura, 83, went home to his Lord GOD our Savior on January 15th, 2025. Martin was born September 18, 1941 in Powell, WY. His family farmed and ranched in Nebraska before heading north to Clark, WY during the "Dirty 30's" and the infamous Dust Bowl. The family raised turkeys, cows, farmed and ranched the land in and around Clark, WY and Bridger MT. His mother raised the kids in a Catholic household and would drive the kids to Billings each week for school, then bring them back to the farm to work on the weekends. Martin graduated from Billings Central Catholic High School in 1959. Several years prior he met his beloved wife, Shirley Ann. They were married on Sept. 3, 1960 in Bridger, MT. Martin welcomed his first son in 1961 and then was drafted into the Army in July of 1961. He served at Ft Riley, KS for 2 years and was honorably discharged in June of 1963. Martin was an M-1 Rifle Sharpshooter and was sent to Germany to prepare for battle in Vietnam but was called back for family obligations. During that time he welcomed his second son.

Martin & Shirley moved to Kansas City, MO where he 1st worked at the Bendix Corporation, an American manufacturing and engineering company. Here he had top clearance and worked on components used in The Apollo 11 Mission, carrying Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin for the first landing on the Moon. He then worked for General Motors and Trans World Airlines (TWA). He welcomed his 3rd son in Kansas City and then moved his family back to Montana. Martin & Shirley had a successful ceramics shop in Billings, MT where he welcomed his 4th son and a daughter. They sold the ceramic shop and moved their interest to the Stockman Bar & Supper Club in Bridger, MT. They ran this successfully for a number of years before settling on their dream homestead in the Madison Valley- Ennis, MT in 1979. Martin ran TMK Construction in Ennis and the Madison Valley up until his retirement in 2020. Martin was involved in a number of construction projects in and around Ennis. Martin also loved cards and was a poker dealer for many years in all Ennis's watering holes. He also worked alongside Shirley for 16 years on the mail route from 1999 until 2015. He was a devout Catholic and a parishioner of St. Patrick's Catholic Church since 1980. Martin loved his family and always wanted to teach life lessons through hard work, morals and a Christian way of life. Although he was not a perfect man, he did the best he could with the hand he was dealt. He really enjoyed travelling and was able to spend quality fun times with his family. He loved cruising and was able to go on cruises to Italy (including Rome and The Vatican), several Caribbean Islands, Mexico and Hawaii. Martin and Shirley travelled all over the U.S. from Disneyland to Disneyworld, San Francisco, Niagara Falls, New Orleans, Atlanta, Branson and lots more!

Martin is survived by his Sons, Thomas (Nicole) of Jefferson, GA; Kevin (Dale) of Buford, GA; Steven of Ennis; Brent of Billings and his daughter Susan (Brian) Haskins of Ennis. Grandsons- Andrew, Justin, Anthony, James & Zeth; Granddaughter Chloe and one Great-granddaughter Jaden. Sister Carolyn Hubbard of Bozeman and numerous nephews & nieces. He is preceded in death by his wife Shirley, Mom & Dad, 5 brothers, 4 sisters and a number of nephews & nieces.

Dad always taught us to trust GOD, don't expect anything you haven't earned, take care of your family. Happy Trails Pops, until we meet again... May the perpetual light shine upon you and may you rejoice in the Kingdom of Heaven!

Viewing and Service @ St. Patrick Catholic Church, Ennis MT - Thursday January 23rd, 2025 9:30am.

Viewing and Memorial @ Dahl Funeral Chapel in Billings, MT - Friday January 24th , 4-7pm

Funeral Mass @ Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Bridger, MT - Saturday January 25th, 10am with burial services to follow at Belfry Cemetery, Belfry, MT. Lunch and gathering to follow @ Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Bridger, MT