Don Wherry passed away peacefully in his sleep on Monday April 19, 2021, he was born on December 7, 1933 in Little Rock, Arkansas.
Don was adopted by Noble and Rovana Wherry shortly after birth and lived with his family in McCrory, Arkansas, attended Morris Boys school, a Catholic school, later moving to Oklahoma and graduating from Bartlesville High School. After graduation, he worked construction with his father. He enlisted in the US Army in 1954, attended basic training at Ft. Smith, and was stationed at Ft. Lewis, WA and Ft. Ord, CA., after which he was honorably discharged and attended Oklahoma State University. He remained a lifelong fan of the OSU Cowboys.
Don spent his career in hotel and restaurant management, coming to Butte in 1965 to open the Holiday Inn, and shortly after married Helen (Sullivan) Atkin in 1967. Later he and the family moved to Idaho Falls, Los Angeles, and in 1970 back to Butte, where he remained until his passing.
Don was preceded in death by his parents and his former wife Helen (Sullivan). He is survived by his children Dan & Marci Wherry, Anna Wherry, and stepdaughters Barb (Atkin) and Bob Tucker and Patty (Atkin) and Ray Ryan, and grandchildren Kaegan and Conor Wherry.
A special thanks to Don’s “TV Lady” Marian Paull, who fixed his TV remote weekly and was an incredible caregiver for the past several years. The family would also like to thank his incredible friends who put up with his BS, care givers at Butte’s Copper Ridge, the VA, and many friends that stayed in touch, often honking their horns on the Farragut 500 to say “hello”, or stopping by to have a beer.
For those that knew Don, you know his last good bye would always be “Stay out of the Heat!!”
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the Butte Emergency Food Bank, or the charity of the donor’s choice.
Don will be laid to rest at holy cross cemetery during a private service.
Please visit below to offer a condolence or share a memory of Don.
Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Don and his family.
Melanie Fournier says
I loved that man he will always hold a place in my heart 💝My thoughts and prayers are with his precious family!!
Kristy Johnson-Zeier says
I am so sorry to hear of Don. I have some very fond memories of him when working with him at the Plaza Royale. He was one of a kind. Prayers to you all!
Chris Chicoski Smith says
So sorry to read about Don’s passing. Some of my best memories was working at the PR and Don shaking his head at all of us “young kids” at that time. Even though, I do think he loved being around us. Big hugs to Anna and all of Don’s family. He was one of a kind that will be missed.
Ray & Heather Johnson says
Anna, Bubs & family, So sorry to hear about Don. He was a great guy and we are glad to have known him. We loved visiting at the Plaza Royale. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Take care
ida says
Anna, “TV Lady” Bubs and Family, Special thoughts and prayers to you all. May your memories sustain you and know your Dad is at peace.
Charlotte Nugent says
To Anna, family and many friends. I am so sorry to hear of Don’s passing.
He was such a great Man. I had the pleasure of working with him at the Plaza Royale Casino.
Sending my condolences and love and prayers!
Rest in peace Don.
Charlotte Nugent
Marilyn Boyle says
Thinking of you, Anna, and all your family. We send you our love and prayer support during this time. May all the good memories bring comfort to your heart. Blessings always, Bill and Marilyn Boyle
Theresa and Kelly Dennehy says
Anna, Bubbs, Dan and family, so sorry to read this. I never met your dad but the obituary tells me he was very special. Enjoy your memories. They are special.
Kristine Akridge says
To Anna, family and many friends. I am so sorry to hear of Don’s passing. He was such a great Man and boss. Sending my condolences and love and prayers!
Rest in peace Don.
Kristine Opie-Akridge
Connie Galasso says
To Anna, and family. I am sorry to see don had passed. I went and saw him and he still had his personality sitting in his chair. well he is in a good place now with all the 4 mile bar pple . they will have a good time. love and prayers . Connie Galasso
Donna (Hock) Owen says
Oh that man! Gone are the days of camping, trips in the bus, shooting dice, and getting together for a few beers. So much fun and so many memories. I’m so very sorry to hear of his passing. He was one of a kind. My love and thoughts are with you Dan and Anna. Thinking of him will always bring a smile to my face. Love you guys.
Greg Black says
Anna and Dan – I’m sure gonna miss your Dad. I’m probably the only person who knew him in Missouri before he moved to Butte, but I really got to know him when he lived with our family for a while after moving to Butte and then working with him at the old Holiday Inn. He always had a way of cracking a joke and flashing that sly smile of his at just the right time, especially with his midwestern twang which he never lost. We always remember him on Thanksgiving because my Mom made dressing the same way she learned how. She made the dressing into patties and baked them. Don always called them “road apples, ” and my kids would laugh and laugh when they ate them. We will always have “road apples” on Thanksgiving thanks to him. RIP old buddy.