Donald G. “Babe” McDonald, age 93 passed away on February 4th, 2020 at the V.A. Community Living Center in Miles City. Babe was born February 4th, 1927 to Duncan and Ava McDonald in the Darcy Hospital in Miles City, MT. He was the last for four children, Duncan (Duff), Robert (Potts), and Catherine (Toots).
Babe attended went to elementary and high-school in Miles City, graduated Custer County District High School in 1944. He played baseball for the American Legion in the summers and basketball all winter. He enrolled at the University of Montana in Missoula, pledged Sigma Alpha Epsilon, was a starting guard and major contributor known as “Red” McDonald for the Grizzlies until he enrolled in the armed services to join the war effort.
On January 29, 1945 he entered the Navy PHM3C and discharged August 20th, 1946. He returned to Montana to enroll in Rocky Mountain College (47-48) where he and his team made basketball history as the most winning team in school history at 31-1. He and his teammates were inducted into the Ring of Honor at Rocky in 2006. Babe returned to the Navy in November of 1950 at the U.S. Naval Reserves attached to the Marines as a medic. He was discharged in April of 1951.
Upon his return to Eastern Montana Babe bought a band of sheep and his life’s work began, a craft he learned from his father “Big Dunc” McDonald, and his uncle Donald McDonald and others throughout his life. He married Carolyn Curtis Kountz on December 28th, 1963 in Miles City. He became a father to two boys, Dickie Lee and Curtis Jay by marriage and Colin Bruce and Kenneth Duncan were added in 1966 and 1970. Babe enjoyed coaching the boys in Cohagen and Miles City and watching the boys’ sports through the years.
Babe and Carol moved to Cohagen in 1966. Babe always said that if I had a ranch with running water through it and good fences, I’d be content. He did the work and the Little Dry did the rest. Babe raised a nice band of sheep in Cohagen and lived there for over 40 years, buying and selling sheep as well as managing his own ranch. Babe’s computer was his spiral notebooks and yellow pads and mind that never forgot a number as he bought and sold sheep throughout the area. His territory covered lots of miles and he had many loyal customers. He was a master with the palm leaf working sheep and he enjoyed his job.
Babe enjoyed playing or watching any sport and coaching whenever he could. Basketball, baseball, football, horseshoes and bowling – he was good at them all. Dancing was his favorite pastime. He belonged to two square dance clubs, as was a member of the Montana Fiddler’s Organization. He danced as a young man for the Miles City Caledonian Society of which he was a lifetime member. Babe was a director for the Fiddler and the Range Riders museum. Babe was also a Master Mason with the Yellowstone Lodge 26. He was a lifetime member. He was a lifetime member of the Montana Wool Growers Association. Babe served on the Cohagen School Board and enjoyed helping to pick the “All Tournament team” for Class C and B.
He was preceded in death by his mother Ava, his father Duncan, his brothers Duff, Potts, and his sister Toots, as well as his beloved sons Dick and Curt. He is survived by his wife Carolyn, sons Colin and Kenny, and his grandchildren Chaz Kountz, Emma, John, Jayne, Duncan, and Mairin McDonald. His grandchildren include Emery and Riley Kountz. His nephews include Scott, Kyle, Craig and Rob McDonald; Jim Burnett, Ava Bosche, and Jodie Rhodes. Rodd, Malcolm, Dana and Becky. His surviving cousins include Duncan McDonald, Dodie Paxson, Kate Hageman, and sister in-law Darlene “Swede” McCue and brother-in-law Bob Curtis.
He loved eastern Montana and had friends throughout the entire area. In the last chapter of his life Carol and He sold the ranch and moved to Miles City where they lived in a house built by their son Curt before his passing. They enjoyed entertaining, playing cards and gathering friends at their house nearly every day. They rarely missed a dance in the area and were a staple at the Drop In Center on Sundays. He was rarely apart from his wife of 57 years, Carol.
Family to receive friends will be from 4-6 PM at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Miles City on Friday, February 7, 2020. Funeral Services will be at the Grace Bible Church in Miles City on Saturday, February 8, 2020 at 11:00 AM. Interment will follow at the Custer County Cemetery in Miles City. Stevenson and Sons have been entrusted with the arrangements. To leave condolences for the family, visit our website at www.stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Friday February 7, 2020
Stervenson and Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
11:00 AM
Saturday February 8, 2020
Grace Bible Church
3505 Stower Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Interment
Following the Funeral Service
Saturday February 8, 2020
Custer County Cemetery
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Friday February 7, 2020
Stervenson and Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
11:00 AM
Saturday February 8, 2020
Grace Bible Church
3505 Stower Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Interment
Following the Funeral Service
Saturday February 8, 2020
Custer County Cemetery
Miles City, Montana 59301
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MARTHA CRANDALL says
My sympathy
Jack Fleming says
Carol, I’m sorry for your loss of Babe. Be proud of the fact that you kept him going as long as possible
Karen Barnes says
Carol and family – My sincere sympathy for your loss. May your good memories be a comfort to you at this sad time. Know this last years have been hard ones for all. God Bless all
GARY AN D PAT HELM says
SO SORRY CAROL’ HE FOUGHT A LONG BATTLE. GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMIOY OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU ALL AT THIS TIME. WILL ALWASYS REMEMBER HIM. TAKE CARE THE GARY HELM FAMILY.
Kris Bartholomew says
Carol and family. Thinking of all of you.
Helen Johnsen deines says
So sorry Carol. Helen johnsen deines
Jared Bankey says
I always enjoyed seeing you two around town and having a visit. He was a very nice gentlemen that could bring a laugh. I also enjoyed watching Babe dance like a champ even I’m these recent years. In my thoughts and peace to you and your family.
Maureen Larson says
Dear Carol & family,
My heart hurts for all of you and you’re in my thoughts & prayers. Carol you took such good care of Babe through these last years & he was a very fortunate man to have such a loving wife & family.
Teddy Landers says
Dear Carol
We are so sorry for your loss. He was the consummate sheep man. I have many memories working with him on shipping day. We’ve lost a part of the fabric of Garfield county. He will be missed. Our love and prayers are with you.
Teddy and Mike Landers
Mitzi Beecher says
So sorry to hear about your loss God Bless you all
Patti (Green) Ireland says
Carol, I’m so sorry for your loss. My dad so enjoyed visiting with you and Babe at dances and the nursing home. I pray that you are comforted during this time.
Patti (Green) Ireland
Connie and Gene Bankey says
Carol and family, Connie and I enjoyed sharing the the dance floor with you and Babe and doing the doing the “stomp” during the waltz and watching you and Babe dancing with each other. Thoughts, condolences and prayers for your family 🙏💔 Connie and Gene
Shelley Killen says
Carol, Colin, Kenny and families, So sorry to hear of Babe’s passing. He was one of the great gentlemen of the time. He will be greatly missed. Please know you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Shelley
Bill and Kara (Clark) Lambert says
Loaded and hauled many loads of sheep for Babe. With palm leaf in hand he always said “on the bus girls, on the bus”. Many good memories. He was a great guy. Our sympathy to all of his family.
Janice Cook says
He was a great Uncle!
Bob and Deb Hagemeister says
Carol and all the McDonald families — so sorry for your loss — we have fond memories of Babe during our sheep days! Hold your memories close – our thoughts and prayers are with your families!
James Henry DeBock says
CAROL
Robert McCue says
So sorry for your loss and I used to have fun with dick and curt when I was a little kid, and then collin and Kenny got in the fun, I love you aunt Carol, so sorry to hear about babe .
Barb and Jim Nelstead says
Carol and family – Thoughts and prayers to all of you! I was just making plans for BHS and hoping that I would have the opportunity to see Carol and Babe. Sorry to see this! Babe and my father had played baseball together, so always enjoyed talking with him.
Jackie Oliver Kalkhoff says
Aunt Carol, Collin and Kenny and families. So very sorry to hear Uncle Babe passed away, but what a life he led. I will always remember our summers that we would all get together and fight over who got to sleep in the sheep wagons.i wish we didnt live so far away or i would come. My thoughts snd prayers are with all of you. Love you Aunt Carol.
Lori Pluhar Wentzell says
Carol and family. My deepest sympathy to you and all your family. My thoughts are with you. Sending hugs
Sharon Billing Hyland says
Carol Was sorry to hear of Babes passing. Never knew him well but of course you are a long time favorite of mine since those many years ago that you taught at Sheldon School. I always remember your kindness as a teacher and really a friend. I will be praying for God’s love to be very present with you at this time and I’m so happy for all the great years you’ve had together. Sharon Billing Hyland
Dave Laird says
Very sorry to hear of Babe’s passing. He and Carol were such a huge part of my life in Miles City. I always enjoyed visiting, playing cribbage, and hanging out at the McDonald house. Much love and so many great memories. RIP Babe and God Bless Carol, Colin, Kenny and families.
Rita FitzGerald says
Carol—Bill and I send our love!! Babe will be waiting for you with the music playing to have another dance.
Jack and Sharon Hedstrom says
So sorry for your loss
We are all sending
Love Hugs and Prayers your way
❣️🙏❣️
Jack Hedstrom & Family
Rob and Jan Warn family says
Dear Carol and family,
So sorry for your loss, Babe was always such a vital man. He 8s pain free and at peace. May your special memories comfort you 🙏🏻😘
Patricia LaMoure says
Sorry for your loss Carol and family . Sending hugs and Prayers your way
Devan Sheldon Dorigatti says
Sending my thoughts and prayers aunt Carol <3
Rhoda Phillips says
Carol, I am sorry for your loss. Wish I could come but won’t be able to. Love you my dear friend. Rhoda
KathyBrothers says
Carol so sorry to hear about Babe. I sure loved to watch Babe and you dance at the weddings.! You never missed a step. You took such good care of Babe these last few years Carol. Sending prayers to you and your family.! Kathy Brothers
Bob Engdahl families says
Carol and family,
We are so sorry for your loss of Babe . Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you, during this time of sorrow.
God Bless
Bob Engdahl families
Valerie Schwindt says
My deepest condolences.
Rodney Kott says
Always had a lot of respect for Babe. Deepest sympathy.
Stacy Scheid says
So sorry Carol!! I still remember my Dad (Bosco) or (Ian) Finlayson coming out so you could teach him to make pie crust…many years ago! A memory I will always cherish. Keeping you in thought & prayer!
Stacy Mackenzie Scheid
Kevin and Lori Donnelly says
So long Babe he will be missed by many. Won’t forget the ways you and your family touched are lives.
Kevin and Lori Donnelly
Duncan Bartholomew says
My sincerest sorrow
Barb (Bonine) Holcomb says
Carol – my deepest condolences for you, your boys and the whole McDonald clan.
Joe amestoy says
Sorry for your loss.my dad sold sheep to babe.
Audrey A. Guesanburu says
To the Family of Babe, so sorry for your loss. Daniel & Audrey Guesanburu
Linda Wolff says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Looking forward to seeing you smile and have fun again. It takes awhile for the stress to leave.
Dorthy Let says
My Dearest Friend Carol, so sorry for your loss & I will be in MC in May & promise to come see you. Babe was hard core but boy did he know his sheep. Loved playing cards with him, really a sharp cookie.
Judy Fossum says
My sympathy Carol. I don’t think I’ll make it to services, but do know I am thinking about. It always hurts to lose family.
Phil and Darlene Shawver says
Condolences and Prayers to you and your family .May you find comfort in all of your Memories and in Gods Love
Chris and Diana Elwood says
Carol and family, Chris and I send our deepest sympathy, you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Donald & Betty Lou Weeding says
Carol and family: So sorry to hear about your loss of Babe. May your memories and faith sustain you during this time of grieving. With sympathy. Donald & Betty Lou
Kathy and Tracy Barnes says
Dear Carol,
We are so sorry to see Babe’s passing. I can’t think of a better birthday gift than going to your heavenly home on that day. To be relieved of all pain and burdens of disability. A gift that can only come from above. May Gods pease be with you.
Karen Witt says
My Deepest Sympathy Carol and Family
Dodie McDonald Paxson says
Shortly after midnight on February 4th Carol, Ava and I sang Happy Birthday to Babe and the Bagpipes called him home! I am sure there was a huge “Gathering of the McDonald Clan” above! We all love and miss you Babe! Tally Ho until we meet again!
RUTH GASS says
SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT BABE YOU ARE IN OUR PRAYERS BILL AND RUTH GASS
Kay and Floyd Beecher says
Carol and family, Our deepest sympathy to you all.
Catherine Crane Byronn says
Carol and Sons –
Many years ago as a kid I remember a young widow with two little boys dancing at the Fairview Hall with a tall, handsome gentleman that everyone called ‘Babe.’ When the two of you married, our parents shared several approving comments and well wishes for that couple on our 20 mile ride home over snow drifts or gumbo. The happiness you and Babe found together glowed at those old country dances after you married. My heart and prayers go out to each of you now and in the days ahead. He was a prince of a man. He leaves a great legacy in all of you. Godspeed.
Burl and Shemene Peckman says
Our family is very sad to hear this news. Babe is in a wonderful place now with God! We send our condolences to you Carol and your family. You are in our thoughts and prayers. The Peckmans.
Debbie Weyer says
Carol, So sorry for your loss. a friend sent this to me in my time of need & I wish to share it with you. I hope it brings comfort. “DEATH, leaves a heartache no one can heal; LOVE, leaves a memory no one can steal” author unknown. May God comfort you at this difficult time.
Tracy Bertrand says
Thoughts and prayers to all of the McDonald’s. Babe was a great man, and will truly be missed.
Kay Davis Berdahl says
Carol, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family!
Pete and June Minow says
Carol, We are so sorry for the loss of Babe. We remember fun times back when we all square danced together. Our sympathy and prayers are with you.
Eileen and Vern Entzel says
Carol and Family
Sorry for your loss. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers
Sydney Carranco says
Carol,
Your family was always welcoming and loving. I am so sorry for your loss Kenny, Colin. Prayers and love sent your way.
God bless.
Lynn Stanton says
Carol, I am sorry for your loss. It’s the pits we don’t have a little more control on the these type of events. I am thinking of you and sending many big HUGS. Praying for comfort and healing for you and your family.
Dolores Meidinger Willson says
So sorry to hear of Babes passing. He lived a full life and you are sure to have many memories to comfort you in the days and years ahead. My sincere sympathy to all.
Shelly (White) Melby says
Carol, Colin and Kenny, I’m sorry to hear of Babes passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Morris Ware says
Sorry to here about Babe we got freezing rain and snow so I’ll not be coming down Saturday but am thinking about all of u. Will call and visit in a few days say hi to Swede and every body for me stay strong and keep dancing
Margo Hellickson says
Dear Carol,
I’m am so sorry to hear of Babe’s passing. I’m have many fond memories of the dances and talking sheep. My prayers are with you and your family.
Mike Archdale says
Thoughts and prayers to all the McDonald’s. Weather and road coniditions are keeping me in Wibaux.
Rita Wemmer says
We are so sorry for your loss. We wish we could have been there but the weather and roads were not to be out done. Our thoughts and prayers are with each and every one of the McDonald’s. Gods love and comfort be with each and all. Babe will be missed by so many.
Pam ( Moths) Nisley & (Dave) says
My prayers to all of his loved ones~ For comfort and peace, and warm memories to sustain each one! I met Mr. McDonald on several occasions when he bought our lambs. He knew the sheep insustry!! To his nephews, Scott, Craig, Kyle and classmate Rob……you come from amazing stock!! May the loving arms of Jesus carry each of you through this time, and especially for Mr McDonald’s dear wife and children. We care!!!
DJ and Gloria Rath Milroy says
Carol and family, our condolences to all of you. May God walk with each of you and may his love and your memories be a comfort to each of you. Hugs and prayers.
Melissa Stroh Franklin says
Carol — so sorry for your loss — I have fond memories of Babe during my younger days working with sheep when my dad worked for Leroy Jordan! Hold your memories close – my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family!
Ron Cole says
Carol and family- our deepest sympathy to you and the family. He was a great mentor for me as I learned do much from him about sheep production in eastern MT over the years. Your dedication to him in the past few years was outstanding! I will miss him dearly.
Jenny Frady says
Carol and family , John & I are sorry for your loss , our deepest sympathy , our thought went you and your family God bless you
Wendy (Ludwig) Schenk and family says
Carol and family,
May God bless you in your time of sorrow. We hope that the great memories will help you in your time of grievance. Sorry that we were unable to attend the service with the weather.
Melanee Lewis says
Carol-
I am so sorry to hear of Babe’s passing. I can see that you have many good friends and family there to support you and I am thankful for that. Please know that I am thinking of you and hoping that you find comfort in all your good memories of Babe.
He will surely be missed!
Laura Dreyer Bleazard says
I remember Babe from when I was growing up on the Dreyer Ranch, buying lambs or at various Wool Grower events with my parents, Ralph and Ruth. I know you have many wonderful memories and will have lots of smiles when sharing those memories. My heartfelt sympathy in your loss.
Marge moore says
So very sorry for the loss of Babe but he is at peace now in heaven.
JC Murray says
I am so sorry to hear of Babe’s passing. So many great memories will be shared by so many people that he touched through his life’s journey. My thoughts are with you Carol and family.
Josephine Meidinger says
Carol my sincere sympathy
Leslie Artz says
Thoughts & prayers for all of Babe’s family. So many memories.~
Pat Smith says
Carol, Sorry to hear of your loss of Babe, I remember the first time I met his uncle Donald, he came to visit with dad, I was just a kid and was fascinated with his brogue of course he got a kick out of that. Dolores talked a lot about you both and the fiddlers, dancing and all. May your many fond memories bring you much comfort. Love Pat (Wolff) Davis Smith