On January 26th, 2022 Donald James Davis passed away peacefully at the age of 72 with his loving family by his side.
Donald James Davis was born September 10th, 1949 in Walkerville Montana to Eugene & Lorraine Davis. He was a true Walkerville native. A tough kid from a tough place. He often spoke of riding bikes down ‘B’ street with his brothers & jumping on the back of the ice truck for a “ride” to Manza’s. In highschool, he preferred to not drive – but rather walk down to the flats and push himself to run up the hill to Walkerville – yes, THAT hill.
He attended Butte High School & was a star athlete, participating in wrestling, water basketball, and even playing in the State Championship Football game in his senior year of 1968.
Donald met his first wife shortly after graduating and had 2 children. Jessica & Marnie. He later went on to meet and marry his wife of 45 years, Nancy Brown in 1977 in Walkerville. They had 3 more daughters: Amanda, Ashleigh and Amelia.
Don had a 45 year career working with heavy duty mining equipment as an A2 Tireman. He was very proud of his work and was dedicated to his craft. He retired from Montana Resources in December of 2014.
After retirement Don enjoyed nothing more than spending time with his children and grandchildren. Camping & fishing were among his favorite activities. If you knew Don, you would also know that he was a voracious reader, always with a book in his hand.
Donald, Don, Donnie – whatever you called him, you called him a friend. He loved life, and it showed. He was tough – one of the strongest people you would ever know but he had the most gentle soul. His sense of humor – even when they were “bad dad” jokes – could always bring a laugh. His thirst for knowledge was so vast – he had so much information in that head of his – and would often bring up interesting information on a wealth of topics. He could strike up a conversation with a stranger (and often did) and leave with a friend. That was Don.
The outpouring of love and support the family has received has been overwhelming. It shows just how loved he was and will be truly missed by so many.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Eugene and Lorrain Davis. Sisters Barbara and Ann, and Brother Tommy.
He is survived by his wife Nancy Davis (Brown). Children Jessica Davis, Marnie Davis, Amanda (Nathan Skiles), Ashleigh Herring, Amelia Davis Boston (Joseph). Brothers: Wayne, Mick (Dina), Joseph (Cathy), Dawn Marie Murray (Jim) & 11 grandchildren; Sam, Ellen, Lindsay, Lexi, Lillian, Avalyn, Lilly, Lucy, Lacey, Liam & Layla.
A celebration of life, organized privately by the family, will be held from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, February 19th, 2022, at the McQueen Athletic Club, 3250 Hecla St., Butte, MT, 59701. Food and drink will be provided.
Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or share a memory of Donald.
Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Donald and his family.
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
2:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Saturday February 19, 2022
McQueen Athletic Club
3250 Hecla St.
Butte, MT 59701
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
2:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Saturday February 19, 2022
McQueen Athletic Club
3250 Hecla St.
Butte, MT 59701
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Ray Mcmillan says
Don so many memories of water polo with the (Blue turtles 1,2,&3) undefeated in 3 years. You couldn’t swim to save yourself but dominated in the shallow end with your toughness. Dave and I took care of the deep end. RIP
The Water-basketball winners were: First Row; D. Bennetts, R. McMillian,
Second Row: K. Sturgean, D. Starin, D. Davis, G. Salo