Jul. 1, 1939 - Sep. 18, 2026
Date of Service: Sep. 25, 2026
HEYBURN - Harold Estes crossed over that great divide on September 18th 2026 to join his dear wife Virginia Estes and loving son Michael Estes. of Burley Idaho.
Harold was born July 1, 1939 to Mary and Joe Estes in Yelleville Arkansas. At some point the family relocated to Idaho. As a younger man Harold served in the US Army after which he returned to Idaho and spent his life working as a Sheep herder and hired hand for many large outfits in Idaho, Montana, Colorado, Utah, and Nevada, such as The Winecup, the Pickett Ranch, Sam Bastorichie and many others, the last employer was USAF Col Walter Jean Lovingfoss and his wife Delia Lovingfoss - Hofhine, Mary and Lisa Lovingfoss of Heyburn, who became extended family to Harold along with other best friends.
Harold's home and church were in the mountains of Idaho. He was the last of a dying breed of Cowboy that spent his life on horseback and later ATV, with his faithful dog Junior and latest cattle dog Rosie, working the sheep and cattle herds in Sublett, and the Sawtooth. Harold was quite the cowboy artist, always whittling on a new walking stick, adorned by hay string, found arrowheads or special piece of antler. He was a kind hearted gentleman who would help a friend or stranger in need. He never uttered a bad word against anyone.
Harold loved to read, enjoyed country music and he loved the quiet solitude of the Sawtooth Mountains, where his ashes will be scattered by a long time friend as his last request.
Harold is survived by a son Shawn Estes and daughter Colleen Estes and grandchildren.
His life could be best summed up by a saying found on the back of Harold’s artwork. It said the following: Jerome K Jerome on life's essentials- Let your boat of life be light packed with just what you need- a homely home and simple pleasures with one or two friends that deserve the name, someone to love and love you, a cat, a dog, enough to wear and enough to eat and a little more than enough to drink- for thirst is a dangerous thing!
"Rest in Peace beloved friend and father."
Friends and family are invited to gather on Friday evening, September 25, 2026 at the Morrison Funeral Home in Rupert from 6:00 - 8:00. Prior to the gathering at the funeral home, friends are invited to Harold’s home, 538 South 450 West in Heyburn for a lite Filipino meal from 4:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.538 South 450 West in Heyburn for a lite Filipino meal from 4:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.
