Don Doty

The train pulled out of the station and took dad on his last ride October 19, 2024. Don Doty passed away peacefully in his sleep with his favorite belt buckle on and his camo moccasins. Don was 93 and lived a long and adventurous life.

Don was born in Three Forks to Rose Walbert Doty and Orville Doty (Orville was killed working on the TF airport when Don was a child). They preceded him in death along with his grandparents Ed Walbert of whom Don was very fond, and Sady Walbert. He is also preceded by his great grandparents Mike and Sarah Lane, and a passel of other relatives and siblings.

Don lived and worked on the family homestead(s) in Willow Creek and had amazing stories of those times with his large extended family.

The Milwaukee Railroad was fortunate to have Don as a brakeman/conductor until they closed and he transferred to the Burlington Northern in Sheridan, WY. He railroaded for over 40 years. Don was an expert pool shooter and could fix darn near everything with duck-tape and a pocketknife. He enlisted in the Army and shipped off to Korea even though his mom had arranged a deferment for him to keep ranch-handing. Those 2 years in the Army were some of his best; he would say and he was very proud to be a Vet. He married Morraine Weldele, whom he had met in high school in TF, upon returning from Korea. Morraine came from a huge family and Don became a patriarch to that clan. Before rail roading he worked for Kiewitt Construction building the Trident Cement Plant.

Don is survived by his daughter Theresa Doty, her husband Mike Basel and his two grand-kids: Alexandra and Wolfgang, as well as sister-in-laws and numerous nieces and nephews from both sides of the family. Don was liked and appreciated by all for his personality, his thirst for life and his devotion to his friends and family. A celebration of life will be held at the Town Club April 11, 2025, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Join us to remember Don, have a beverage and food and tell funny stories. Interment of Don and Morraine with military honors will be held at the Three Forks Cemetery April 12, 2025, at 1pm.