Delton Otto (Red Dog) Morast

Delton (Red Dog) Otto Morast took his final dispatch and departed for his last trip on Wednesday, April 29, 2015, at 11:01 p.m.

Delton was born April 3, 1933, in Beulah, N.D., to Carl and Ida (Mittlesteadt) Morast. Delton was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith in preparation for his final dispatch.

In 1956, Delton married Agnes Schimke. To this union three children were born: Monte, Randy and Cynthia. Delton and Agnes were divorced in 1968. In 1977, Delton married Victorina (Vicky) David in Manila, Philippines.

Delton stayed busy most of his life. He worked on the Garrison Dam project until it was completed in 1953, at which time Delton joined the Army and served until 1955. Delton moved to Glendive, where he was fortunate enough to be hired by Hi-Ball Trucking. In 1968, Delton took Hi-Ball's trucks to Prudhoe Bay, Alaska. In 1970, Delton was hired by Mukluk Freight as a terminal manger, which proved to be a challenge for Red Dog as he was in charge of moving all the pipe for the North 160 mile section (5,999 loads). Delton accomplished the task with no accidents and only one minor dent and a broken pin on a steering axle.

In 1976, Delton was transferred to Saudi Arabia by Crowley Maritim who had purchased Mukluk Freight in 1972. In Saudi Arabia, Delton was operation manager for cargo from all over the world that was shipped in on barges by Saloe and Crowley Co., unloaded and transported inland to many locations, as Saudi Arabia was being modernized as a part of the oil production. Delton's stay in Saudi Arabia ended in 1984.

Delton took a long vacation and then went to work for Getter Trucking in Houston, Texas, which was sold to Black Hills Trucking in Salt Lake City.

In 1991, Delton and Vicky returned to Billings. He returned to work for Hi-Ball Trucking as a truck driver. The driving came to a halt due to health problems; however, Delton continued to drive an escort vehicle until June 2004. Delton always said, "It was a long trip, but I enjoyed every moment."

Delton is survived by his wife, Vicky; children Monte and wife, Connie, Randy and wife, Jo, Cynthia and husband, Michael; five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; sisters Evelyn Eisenbeis, Adeline Pfenning, Eldora Myers and husband, Jim, Norma Curry and husband, Mick; brother Clement and wife, Betty; and brother Carvin.

Delton was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Myron and Donnie; sister Arlene; and brothers-in-law Raymond Giese, Llyod Morast, Ervin Eisenbeis and Ruben Pfenning.

Red Dog wants all his oil field and trucking friends to know that when they get on the invisible step to up yonder, he will be there to greet them.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Michelotti-Sawyers. The funeral service will be 11 a.m. Wednesday at Trinity Lutheran Church, with burial 3 p.m. Thursday in North Dakota Veterans Cemetery in Mandan.