Kelly Compton

Kelly Joe Compton, age 55, left us way too soon and took from us a husband, father, son, brother and friend.

Kelly started life in Belle Creek, Montana, with his parents Russ and Gloria Compton, as well as his older sister Kim and younger sister Kacey. At the age of 13, Kelly and his family moved to Broadus, where he went through high school. As a Broadus Hawk, Kelly excelled at wrestling, basketball, football and track. After graduating in 1986, Kelly went to Dickinson State, where he wrestled for three years. This is where he learned that too many Coors Lights have consequences. He then transferred to Montana State and joined the rodeo team. He was able to get his priorities straight just at the right time.

In 1990, after a coin flip between him and his roommate, he called and asked Kimberly Ott on a date to the Christmas Stroll in Bozeman. After that day, Kelly fell in love and never looked back. They began dating and got married on March 20, 1993. After graduating MSU in 1993 with a B.S. in Sociology and Kim with a B.S. in Business/Accounting, they moved to Billings. Kelly continued to rodeo in the amateur circuit while Kim worked. Finally, Kim convinced him to settle down and get a "real job." Along with learning that horse hooves can hurt, he hung up the chaps. They bought a house in 1994 and started a family in 1995 when their first child, Garrett, was born. Following two years later, Gavin was born. Then in 1999, they built their home in Crystal Springs. Kelly then started his career in law enforcement at the Sweet Grass County Sheriff's Department.

In 2001, Billings Police Department hired him on as an officer. Shortly into his career with the department, he won the Hero's Award for actions performed in the line of duty. Adding to his achievements in law enforcement, he received a Medal of Honor, and was an active member of BPD SWAT for several years. As a transitioning point from nine years of night shift, Kelly moved into a School Resource Officer position with School District 2. This is where he thrived in the department. He always saw a piece of himself in the kids he dealt with and wanted the best for every single one. He spent this time at Castle Rock, Riverside, and Medicine Crow. After 22 years in law enforcement, Kelly retired so he could move to Libby where Kim had received a new position with the Hospital in town. Kelly spent his short retirement fishing, skiing, traveling and working small jobs in Libby, the last being at his favorite store, Ace Hardware.

Kelly is survived by his wife, Kim; his two boys, Garrett (Morgan) and Gavin; his parents, Russ and Gloria Compton; and his sisters Kim (John) Blain and Kacey Stanley; along with several nieces and nephews who were blessed to have an uncle like Kelly. He touched so many lives and will be missed tremendously by all that knew and loved him.

The funeral service will be at 4 p.m. Tuesday, April 11, at the Montana Pavilion, Metra Park. The burial service will be at Mountview Cemetery immediately after the service.

Donations can be made to BPPA, Billings Police Protective Association.