Don Paul Rantio, 86

Don Paul Rantio, 86, passed away July 15, 2014, at the Montana Veterans Home in Columbia Falls. 

Don was born in Butte on June 8, 1928, to Abe and Catherine Rantio. He went to school in Butte and never pursued a secondary education, but instead entered the work force. 

Don’s professional career began as a bakery owner. He owned and operated his Dillon bakery until he came home from Korea. Don enlisted in the United States Air Force on Nov. 17, 1950, and was honorably discharged on Nov. 16, 1954. During his time in the Air Force, Don was a radar bombardier and technology specialist. Don was decorated with the National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, U.N. Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. 

After his arrival back in the United States, Don was offered a job with Emerson Radio in a research laboratory in Washington, D.C. As a civilian, Don returned to Korea, working for Emerson as an advisor to the Korean government. Emerson also sent him to Vietnam and eventually Iran, where he was stationed for seven years. 

Don met his wife Kum and in 1966, before he moved to Iran for Emerson Radio, they married. Don worked as a consultant to the minister of communications and helped to head the project of wiring the entire country for communication purposes. After his employment with Emerson, Don began working with Sprint and eventually retired from the company. 

Don is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Kum Rantio; daughter, Colleen Rantio; and stepson, Jung Lee. 

There are no services planned at this time. 

Friends are encouraged to visit the website, www.buffalohillfh.com, to leave notes of condolence for the family. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family.