Obituary - Donald K. Beatty

Donald K. Beatty, 85, passed away due to natural causes at his residence Saturday, June 10, 2017.

Cremation has taken place, and at his request no services will be held.

His family has suggested memorial donations to the North Central Senior Center or to the charity of the donor's choice.

Holland & Bonine Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.

Please visit Don's online memorial page and leave a message of condolence for his family at http://www.hollandbonine.com.

Don was born Jan. 7, 1932, in Great Falls to Clyde and Inez (Farnham) Beatty. He spent his childhood in Great Falls, attending school there. In 1951, Don entered the U.S. Army and served in Germany until 1953, when he was honorably discharged. He remained in the active reserves until 1959.

He married Lillian Spinler in 1955, and the couple was blessed with five children, whom they raised in Havre, where Don worked as a machinist for Burlington Northern Railroad. Lillian passed away in 2001.

Don enjoyed gardening, hunting and fishing, and just keeping busy. He was a very organized man who loved to research history, especially that of Montana. He possessed a big heart and was generous but straightforward. His generosity was shown in the way he distributed his garden bounty to family, friends and anyone he thought could use it. Don had a strong sense of justice ingrained in him and consistently stood up for those who were unable to do so for themselves. His favorite pastimes were his coffee club at PJs, playing cards and family get-togethers.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Lillian Beatty; his son Steven Beatty; his granddaughter Jessica McKeever; his parents, Clyde and Inez Beatty; and seven siblings.

He is survived by his children, Susan (Duane) McKeever of Havre, Karen (Jon) Redlin of Lambert, Montana, Don Beatty of Havre, and Mary (Bud) Heitman of Chisago City, Minnesota; his four grandchildren, Jen McKeever of Havre, Melissa (Doug) Hagenbuch of Kapolei, Hawaii, Amanda Sine of Las Vegas, Nevada, and Joseph Beatty of Texas; his five great-grandchildren; his brother, Bob Beatty of Billings; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.