Don Ray Durocher

Don Ray Durocher, 86, passed away peacefully in Benefis Hospital in Great Falls on Nov. 17, 2024, with family by his side.

Don was born in Malta, MT on March 2, 1938 to Adrian and Ruby (Wolden) Durocher. He was 1 of 14 children born to them. Don attended school in Malta and at the age of 17, joined the Navy, where he served for 4 years. After being honorably discharged, he returned to Cut Bank, where he worked in the oil fields.

Don moved to Great Falls and began working in the refinery. During this time, he married Dottie Johnson and adopted her 2 children, Joey and Shelly. Two more children were born to this union, Bobbi and Darryl. Dottie was killed by a drunk driver in 1967.

Don married Barbara Thompson, and together the family welcomed Bryan and Shannon. They later divorced. Don then married Elaine Fogel of Jordan, MT, and she graciously helped him raise 4 of his 6 children. Don and Elaine also divorced.

Don worked in the oil fields in Cut Bank , the Great Falls refinery, and then in the mines as a heavy equipment operator, a driller in the oil fields in Gilette, WY, and Nevada. Finally retiring, Don moved back to MT and lived in Malta for several years before moving with his longtime companion, Chris, to Bowling Green, KY. Don returned again to MT living in Chinook, Choteau, Chester and finally Cut Bank.

Don had a passion for horses and loved riding. He also tried his skills in the bucking bronc arenas in his earlier years.

Don was preceded in death by his wife Dottie, ex-wife Elaine, his parents Adrian and Ruby, brothers Jim, Mike, Doug and Bill. Son Joey, and daughters Bobbi and Shelly, and granddaughter Amanda.

He is survived by brother Steve (Kay) of WA., sisters Shari (Ron) Patton of NV, Charlene (Bob) Waller, Marilyn Schaefer and Kim (Daniel) Deaver of AZ, Bev (Gary) Christofferson of TX, Barbara Durocher of AK, and Donna Davis and Patty Flint of Cut Bank. Sons Darryl of GA and Bryan of WA, and daughter Shannon of WA, and 14 grandchildren.

Creel Funeral Home of Lewistown is in charge of the arrangements. A memorial is planned for the spring of 2025 in Dodson.

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