Donald Easton

Donald L. Easton passed away peacefully at his home on June 16, 2014. Don was born September 25, 1928 in Beulah, North Dakota, to Emma (Spitzer) and David W. Easton. He spent many summers growing up on his grandparents' farm near Wilton, North Dakota, where he developed an enthusiasm for John Deere tractors. Don graduated from Beulah High School in 1946 at the age of 17, and had to have his parents' signatures to go into the service. He spent the next 18 months in basic training at Fort Knox, KY and shipped out with the occupational troops to Tokyo, Japan. Upon discharge from the service, Don enrolled at Jamestown College in Jamestown, ND and worked towards obtaining an English Degree. In the fall of 1950, he was called to teach English and seventh and eighth grade classes in Antelope, MT. It was there that Don met Evelyn Hedges, and they were married August 28, 1951. After spending three years in Antelope, Don and Evelyn moved to Plentywood, MT, where he taught English for six years. It was there that his daughter, Christine, was born. Every summer was spent going to school, and in 1957, Don received his bachelor's degree from Dickinson State in North Dakota. From 1959-60 he taught in Laurel, MT, at which time he accepted a principalship at the Air Base School in Glasgow, MT. Don received his master's degree from Greeley, CO in 1961, and it was in Greeley that his daughter, Carol, was born. In 1962, Don and Evelyn moved to Billings, MT, where Don served as principal at several schools. Don returned to school in 1968, and achieved his doctorate from Bozeman State University in Montana the summer of 1970. After 36 years in education, Don retired, ending his career as the Assistant Superintendent of Personnel in 1985. Don loved to hunt and fish, and enjoyed singing in several Barbershop Quartets. His retirement years were spent restoring old John Deere tractors, and he was a member of the Antique Tractor Club. Don felt truly blessed to have had a rewarding career and so many good retirement years. Don is survived by his wife, Evelyn; daughters, Chris Easton and Carol (Eric) Duvernay; grandson, Ian Eschler; granddaughters, Erica and Alana Duvernay; sister, Marilynn Swanson of Bismarck, ND; brother, Richard of Nashua, NH; and numerous nieces and nephews. Don was preceded in death by his parents, Dave and Emma, and his brother David of Colville, WA. Cremation has taken place, and family services will be held 9:30am Friday, August 28, 2015, inurnment following at the Yellowstone National Cemetery in Laurel, MT. In Don's honor, please take a lonely friend to coffee and have a good visit. We can hear him "ringing a chord" with old barbershop friends. Arrangements are in the care of the staff at Dahl Funeral Chapel, and memories may be shared at www.dahlfuneralchapel.com.