Donald A. Swisher, 89

Donald A. Swisher of Whitefish passed away from natural causes Feb.18, 2008, at North Valley Hospital in Whitefish.

Don was born June 30, 1918, in Columbia Falls to Hallie and Floral Swisher. He attended school in Whitefish, where he remained a lifetime resident.

He served in the U.S. Army from September 1942 to September 1945 as bombardier and nose gunner on a B-17 with the 748th Bombardment Squadron in England.

Don was a member of the Whitefish City Council, Volunteer Fire Department, Moose Lodge, Parkside Credit Union board of directors, and a longtime member of the VFW.

He was a locomotive engineer with the Great Northern and Burlington Northern railways. At one time, he owned and operated the Union 76 station on the corner of Spokane Avenue and Second Street.

On Oct. 2, 1960, Don married Opal Maddux.

He was a dearly loved stepfather, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

Don was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Lester; and granddaughter, Tracy Maddux.

He is survived by his wife, Opal Swisher; a stepson, Harry Maddux, and his wife, Janet; a stepdaughter, Carole Harwood, and husband, Rollin; a stepdaughter, Barbara Willard, and husband, Bob; eight grandchildren, Terrie (Maddux) Benedict, Shelly (Maddux) Snipes, Craig, Bryan, Mark and Michael Harwood, Scott Willard and Taunya (Willard) Rivera; 17 great-grandchildren, Tanner Benedict, Cory, Tyler and Joel Snipes, Christopher, Paige, Emma and Bryan Harwood, Logan and Brady Harwood, Kayla Harwood, Alex and Cole Harwood, Tina and Faith Willard, and Joshua and Rylan Rivera.

Family services will be held at a later time.

Austin Funeral Home in Whitefish is in charge of arrangements.