Donald Ray Webber, 80

Uncle Don "Honey Bear" Webber crossed The Great Divide on Jan. 15, 2023. He was 80.

Donald Ray Webber was born Oct. 22, 1942, in Galesburg, Illinois, to Russell and Madge Webber, joining his older brother Ronald. He attended school there, then worked for a time for the railroad, a factory, and briefly attended college. He was not interested in farming like his father and brother and he was said to prefer being outside hunting and fishing.

Don joined the US Air Force in 1964, and trained as an aircraft maintenance specialist. While stationed at Travis AFB in California, he flew as flight maintenance on a variety of aircraft all over the world. He was awarded the Air Force Commendation medal, National Defense Service medal, Good Conduct medal, Outstanding Unit Award (2X), and Vietnam Service and Campaign medals for time spent in Da Nang during the war.

While stationed in California, Don continued his research of the Fur Trade era of the west and shooting muzzle-loading firearms. He was instrumental in starting two different muzzle-loading rifle clubs that are still in existence, attended many Buckskinner Rendezvous, and Fur Trade Celebrations.

When he retired from the Air Force with 20 years service he moved straight to the Flathead Valley of Montana. In retirement he helped start another Muzzle-loading Rifle club, The Flathead Valley Muzzleloaders, and became a supplier of black powder firearms and all related supplies. He traveled the West attending Fur Trade Symposiums and researching the era.

Don is survived by his brother, Ronald (Joyce) Webber; nieces, Julie Davis and Judy Pensinger of Galesburg, Illinois; his uncle, Leo "Hank" Dawson; and cousin, Cheryl Leach of Kalispell; and grand nieces and nephews.

When the Veterans Cemetery is opened in Columbia Falls, Don’s ashes will be interred and a memorial gathering will be announced.