Donald John Cherry, age 63, died in his sleep, at home the evening of July 4, 2020.
He was a bigger than life character, who loved to live life as ongoing performance art. He was a sensitive and caring soul who loved high-energy rock music, cooking for himself and his beloved cat, Monroe. He also took care of his vegetable garden, tended many lucky house plants and wasn’t bad at throwing a pottery bowl or vase in his spare time.
Don was born in Miles City on April 18, 1957, the third child of Gerald B. and Helen D. Cherry. He grew up in the way most Miles City kids grow up; on their bikes, running up and down tree-lined streets, splashing in Wibaux Park wading pool, playing ball and creating friendships that were to last a lifetime.
After going through Miles City grade schools and Washington Jr. High, he graduated from CCHS in 1976, ready for the world-at-large, by trying careers on for size. First as an oil field seismographer, then being part of a logging crew north of Missoula, and finally being trained as a welder. While paying well, the welding job was not to his liking. Far too hot and dirty!
He finally settled on making a career out of photographing babies, children, pets and families and transferring the images to calendars, mugs, t-shirts and other gift items. He was very good at it, because he loved what he did.
In 1986, he had a son, Donald Ray, with Dena Searle of Payson, UT.
Don moved to Los Angeles in 1987, and he and his partner, Simone, started a talent agency that brought Don into the life he always dreamed of. Being a talent agent afforded him the opportunity to attend lavish parties, film openings nights, drive dream cars and always be accompanied by half a dozen gorgeous models. After 20 years of that, the high life just wasn’t cutting it either. Simple sounded better to Don.
So, in 2006, he retired from the glitter and glam of L.A. and moved back to his hometown: “Good ol’ Miles City”, where he lived a much quieter life for many years. He was like many of us. He was complicated, multi-layered. He was amazing at times, so fun to be with and the life of the party, though sometimes it could be slightly outrageous. In the end, it’s Don’s sensitive nature, jovial manner and great sense of humor we will remember him best for.
He is survived by his son, Donald Cherry of Billings, his sister Cynthia Cherry (Mike) Schif of Elgin, IL, and brother, Charles “Bing” (Carol) Cherry of Miles City also, Darcy (Kurt) Christopherson of Miles City and Maxwell Schif of Chicago, IL, as well as many grandnieces and nephews, and his best friend for life, Dale Petroff. He was preceded in death by his father, Gerald B. Cherry and his mother Helen Dunbar (Cherry) Fisher of Miles City.
Family will receive friends on Monday, July 13, 2020 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, July 14, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Private Family interment will follow in the Custer County Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Memorials can be sent to Charles and Carol Cherry. All memorials will be donated to The Animal Shelters of Miles City, in his name.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Monday July 13, 2020
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Memorial Service
10:00 a.m.
Tuesday July 14, 2020
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Reception
Following the Memorial Service
Tuesday July 14, 2020
Miles City Town & Country Club
S 4th St & Eagle Ave
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Monday July 13, 2020
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Memorial Service
10:00 a.m.
Tuesday July 14, 2020
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Reception
Following the Memorial Service
Tuesday July 14, 2020
Miles City Town & Country Club
S 4th St & Eagle Ave
Miles City, Montana 59301
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MARTHA CRANDALL says
My sympathy
Dick Culver says
Not a bad sort. RIP.
Dawn Marie Kellmer-Anderson says
May you rest in peace
Dolores Meidinger Willson says
So sorry to hear of Don’s passing.
William Fisher says
I remember Helen talking about him at length and his various adventures. Very sorry to hear he left so soon.
Joan Schmidt Bunke says
God speed my friend. I think of you and smile. I still imagine you as I knew you when we were going to school.
See you on the flipside.
My heartfelt condolences to Don’s family.
Joan Schmidt Bunke
Sandy Rabe says
Bing and family, Ric and I are so sorry to hear about your brother. May God bring you peace and good memories.
Josephine Meidinger says
So sorry to hear about Don’s passing
Shorty & Judy Brush says
Praying God to give you all the strength now and in the days to come . May God give you peace
Penny Stahl says
I was so looking forward to see Don at the reunion. Then COVID happened and the reunion was moved to next year. He will be missed for sure. Healing hugs.
Dena Searle says
Dear Bing and Cynthia I am very sad to hear that Don Has passed.I am heart broken for our son and am hopping that you will rally around “our son” in our absence
I’m I’ll and unable to make a trip that far. Or I would surely be there to bolster and support you all. It saddens me that I’m not able to be there for my son at a time like this. Especially with the difficult position he is in at this time. God bless and keep you all in his merciful love.
Love, Dena
Todd Rowen says
Dear Bing and family,
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your brother. We will certainly be praying for you and your family during this time. May God’s peace, comfort and love be felt now more than ever. Todd & Teresa
Donna Sindelar says
Bing & family, so sorry to hear of Don’s passing. Our thoughts & Prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Take care! Donna & Mari
Marla Zimmer says
Bing, may the Lord provide comfort and strength to you and your family during this difficult time. Lifting you up in prayer.
Judy (Sweeney) and Perry Wolfe says
Bing & Carol, Cynthia and families, I am so sorry for the loss of your brother. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Dorothy Kinsley says
I will always remember Don as a merry soul even though his life was hard at times. I am glad he came to see me last year. He will be missed by many but especially his family. I am sorry I can’t make it to Miles City for his service but you will be in my prayers. Love Aunt Dorothy.
John Dunbar says
I was always glad to see my nephew Don as he always had such interesting stories to tell. He will be missed by me, and I’m sad he passed so soon. I cannot travel any longer. so I can’t make it to the service.
Love,
Uncle Jack
John Dunbar says
See comments above.
John Dunbar says
I guess I don’t speak Miles City any longer.
Deeon Bickle says
So sorry for your loss.
Pam Rogge says
Bing and family, My prayers and condolences on the loss of your brother. Cherish the good memories.
Nancy Torgrimson Gerch says
I’m so sorry to hear of Don’s passing. Sending my deepest condolences to all who loved him.
Vicki says
I am so sad to hear the passing of Don. He was such a funny guy. I will miss him. Prayers for the family. I hear Heaven is paradise he will hurt no more.
Nadine Whitehead says
Sorry to hear hear of Don’s passing. Thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends
Bryan Dunning says
Don was a good friend of mine
Bryan Dunning
Rodger & colleen says
Rest in peace dear cousin we remember are visit last time in MTV sweet guy he left too soon so sorry for your lost
Rebecca Poteat says
My dear, sweet cousin, you are so missed! Rest easy and I’ll catch you on the flip side! Cynthia and Bing, my prayers are with you and your families. Becky
Audrey Haumschild and Greg Blind says
Sending our condolences for the loss of your brother Bing and family.
bill janssen says
Sorry Cynthia, Bing and Darcy, Wished could’ve been there to celebrate Don’s life. May he RIP.