Lamonte O'Dell Aslin, 89, of Idaho Falls, passed away peacefully on March 26, 2018, at Lincoln Court Center.

Lamonte, also known as 'Jim' by his Ennis, Montana friends, was born on November 19, 1928, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and was raised with six sisters and one brother, by their parents Agnes and Fred Aslin. He attended school in Sioux Falls before later moving to Portland, Oregon.

At the age of 17, Aslin joined the United States Navy. He served for four years. He then joined the United States Army and served sixteen more distinguished years. He served as a photographer across Europe, post-World War II, and was a marksman with the U.S. Rifle team, receiving the U.S. Army Distinguished Rifleman Award of 1959. He also trained troops in marksmanship at Fort Ord, California before his Honorable Discharge in 1967. He was also awarded the National Defense Service Medal and the Bronze Good Conduct Medal.

On March 16, 1962, Lamonte married Martha Ann Williams in Sequin, Texas. They had one son, Kenny, before they later separated.

Lamonte was artistically blessed, a friendly, spirited wayfarer of many talents. After the service, he worked with a friend selling tires in Reno, Nevada. He then bought a motorhome and began his life-long passion-fishing and guiding the rivers of California, Oregon, Montana and Idaho. The Madison River was a special place for him. He was also a skilled trout-fly maker, a knifemaker, boat-maker, a creator of antler-laden jewelry and belt buckles, which he made, gifted and sold along the way. He rode a Harley, exploring and appreciating the outdoor beauty of the West. Lamonte recently took a cruise to Alaska with friends from Lincoln Court Retirement Center, which he thoroughly enjoyed! Lastly, Lamonte cherished the time he spent with his family-his roots.

He is survived by his son, Kenny (Akrista) Aslin of Bozeman, Montana; granddaughter, Rachel; two nieces: Patty (Patrick) Keeley and Mary Kay (Bill) Savage both of Idaho Falls, Idaho; and their families; nephew, Dr. Michael Aslin of Spokane, Washington, and his son; two nieces: Kay O'Rielly of Beaverton, Oregon and Colleen Beckley of Portland, Oregon; and a nephew, Mike O'Rielly of Warrenton, Oregon and their families; niece, Sandy Rausch of Columbus, Ohio; nephew, Blair Dravis of Guntersville, Alabama.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters: Madonna, Bernice, Verona, Phyllis, Geraldine and Garnet; and brother, DeLoss.

Our family would like to express our heartfelt appreciation to our friends at Lincoln Court Retirement Center for their passionate love and tender care they provided for our Uncle Lamonte. We would also like to thank Hospice of Eastern Idaho, particularly Lori, Allen and Joe, for their gentle guidance and compassionate care.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation in Lamonte's name to the Hospice of Eastern Idaho, 1810 Moran Street, Idaho Falls, Idaho 83401-4337 or online at http://hospiceofeasternidaho.com/donate/

A private family services will be held on the Madison River later this summer. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.coltrinmortuary.com .