On the afternoon of January 30, 2022, Donald “Don” E. Hanley passed away at St. James Health Care in Butte from natural causes. Don was born in Butte, MT, on January 15, 1933. He was the only child of Ray and Olga Hanley.
As a boy, Don was a paperboy and loved riding his bike to deliver the paper. He graduated Butte High School in 1951. In 1969 Don started his business, Race Cars of the Future, where he manufactured and sold race cars. The cars were sold all over the United States. Some of the cars are still running and in use to this day.
Don married Alva Clawson on Valentine’s Day of 1982 in Las Vegas – they spent 39 years together.
Don loved wolves, he obtained his first wolf-dog in 1995 and named him “King.” King was Don’s best friend. After King died, Don obtained two other wolves until they passed and he recently had Prince and Crystal, two Great Pyrenees – they will greatly miss him.
Don was a very intelligent and organized man, he was determined to accomplish all his life goals, and he did.
Don is survived by his wife, Alva Hanley, and his stepdaughters, Linda Morley, Sue Sturdevant, and Kay Sturdevant.
A memorial service celebrating his life will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 5, 2022, at Journey Assembly of God, 2055 Florence Ave, Butte, Montana, 59701. A luncheon will follow at the church. Memorials in honor of Don are suggested to Chelsea Bailey Animal Shelter, 699 Centennial Ave., Butte, MT, 59701.
Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Don. Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Don and his family.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
12:00 p.m.
Saturday February 5, 2022
Journey Assembly of God Church
2055 Florence Ave.
Butte, Montana 59701
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
12:00 p.m.
Saturday February 5, 2022
Journey Assembly of God Church
2055 Florence Ave.
Butte, Montana 59701
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Randy Winstead says
Don was a good man when I knew him. He loved Alva deeply. He had a most interesting life and a great manufacturing business. He would always take the time when we met to stop and talk. Now Don has moved on. Drive on my friend, you will be missed.
Craig orrovk says
Don was a farmer partner and in the photo he’s wearing Coors Grand Prix business deal. We ran together which was a national racing championship for amateurs. I love this company and he was not standing man along with his fine family. Craig Orrock.