Donald Lee Humphrey, 84

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our deeply loved father, Donald Lee Humphrey. He held a standard in life that inspired others and earned their respect. He was a true patriot, who dedicated his life defending the constitution and honoring the flag. Everything he did in life, he did with honor, integrity, and a tremendous sense of humor.

He was born in Toronto, Ohio, on Dec. 12, 1929, to Robert and Mary Humphrey. He graduated from Toronto High School and enlisted in the United State Marine Corps at age 17, which required a note from his mother. He retired 39 years later as a Brigadier General.

Undergraduate work was completed at Miami University, Oxford, Ohio, and he earned an MBA at Shippensburg University, Shippensburg, Pennsylvania. He also attended the Army War College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.

Decorations awarded were numerous with some highlights being the National Defense Service Medal with one star, Navy Occupation Service Medal with European Clasp, Navy Unit Commendation Medal with one star, Korean Presidential Unit Citation, Bronze Star Medal with Combat V, Purple Heart, Vietnamese Service Medal with one star, Combat Action Ribbon, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal Civil Actions Color First Class, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal Gallantry Cross Color, United Nations Service Medal, and Meritorious Service Medal.

Don was also a member of Dirt Bags, worked with Cosa, and was a Eucharistic Minister at Pope John Paul.

On March 18, 1948, he married his high school sweetheart, Pauline Cervanak, and the couple had seven children. At the time of her death, they had been happily married for 57 years.

He loved camping, fishing, hunting and playing golf.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Pauline, and daughter, Mary Susan Humphrey.

He is survived by his children, Don Humphrey Jr., Catherine Cioe, Elizabeth Baines, Sean Humphrey, Joseph Humphrey and Michael Humphrey. He also leaves behind 11 grandchildren and nine great-grand children.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a donation be sent to Pope John Paul Catholic Church.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m on July 8, at Pope John Paul Catholic Church, 195 Coverdell Road, P.O. Box 195, Bigfork, MT 59911. Don will be laid to rest with the love of his life at a later date in Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.