Donald Eugene Howard, 83

Donald Eugene Howard, 83, passed away on Jan. 16, 2017, in Bozeman, due to a combination of multiple health issues.

Donald was born in Hettinger, North Dakota, on Sept. 9, 1933, the youngest child of Milo and Arabella Howard. The family moved to Northwestern Montana, then settled in Kalispell in the mid-1930s. Donald graduated from Flathead County High School.

He served in the United States Naval Construction Battalions (the Seabees) March 1953 to March 1957. During that time, he was stationed on Kwajalein Island and in Alaska.

On June 8, 1957, he married Margaret Amalia Schultz. He worked for several different businesses in Kalispell then for the city of Kalispell, and retired after working for Flathead County as a heavy equipment operator.

He went hunting, fishing and hiking. He enjoyed the outdoors and spent time photographing the scenery and camping.

Donald was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret, his parents, and many friends and relatives.

He is survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Eldon and Rae Howard of Whitefish, two daughters and their husbands, Mark and Rose Clevidence of Belgrade, and Scott and Ruth Wheat of Livingston; niece and nephews; seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

A private family graveside service and interment was held on July 29 at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery in Kalispell.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers or donations, please take a moment and go outside, thank God for His creation and remember Dad.