Basil C. Doney

Basil C. Doney, passed away on Feb. 16, 2022 surrounded by his family at Benefis in Great Falls MT. He turned 74 on Feb. 14, 2 days before his passing.

Basil early years were spent in Hays, MT where he attended grade school. Later he attended boarding school in Concho and Chhilocco Indian School in Oklahoma, graduating in 1967. He then enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and was stationed in Khe Sanh, South Vietnam, where he was hit with a hand grenade. After his recovery he was awarded the Purple Heart for his service to the country.

Basil attended college at Humboldt State in Arcata, CA and graduated from Salish Kootenai College in Pablo, MT. He later worked for Fort Belknap Social Services and retired after 20 years of service. He stated he wanted to help his people with what he had learned. He worked hard for social services and loved that job with all his heart stating that the children and their families were his purpose and his heart.

Basil was very smart and witty. He had such a good character. He was honest, generous and wise. A great leader was in our midst and now he is gone. He left a legacy on how to carry yourself, and he was down to earth, humble, and easy to talk to. The last four years were spent at home. His health problems slowed him down but he still had horses and loved the mountains. He also enjoyed hunting and was an avid fan of the Hays Lodgepole Thunder Birds.

Basil is survived by his wife Anntonetta Doney of Hays, children Michelle Doney of Billings, Liana Doney of Fort Belknap, Andrea Doney of Hays, Basil Doney Jr of Tucson AZ. Step children Jeremy Reed, Raven Philbrick, and James J Philbrick II, Grandchildren Karissa, Judy Kay and Lexi Kirkaldie of Hays, Jehton and Chacee Longfox of Billings, Theron Big Leggins of Havre, Jared Tincher of Lodge pole, Corbin Brockie and Cate Main of Billings, Jaeden Flansburg of Fort Belknap, Jalen Doney of Tacoma Washington, Elijah BlackCrow of Hays MT, Kenneth BlackCrow Jr. of Hays MT, Alexis BlackCrow of Hays MT, Angela BlackCrow of Hays MT, Suzanna Manuel of Hays MT, Alanis Doney of Billings MT, Brother Ervin Doney Sr., sisters Karlene and Catherine of Hays MT.

Farewell to our Husband, brother, grandpa, uncle, friend, and dad.