Donald David Warner, age 62, of Miles City left this world to be with his heavenly father from complications from pneumonia.
Don was born in Broadus, Montana to Donald and Rowena “BeBe” Warner on August 6, 1959. Don grew up south of Broadus on the family ranch. He loved the ranch life and returned as often as he could to help with brandings and haying. Don loved the peacefulness of the ranch. He was a skilled horse trainer. The horses he trained had gentle spirits like Don himself. Don graduated from Broadus High School. After graduation, Don worked as a roustabout in the oil fields. After a few years he worked as a brick layer and worked all over Montana keeping Miles City as his home. Don married the loved of his life Joyce on September 12, 1981. He always said “I am so blessed to have married my best friend and the two of us are now one.” Together they had three children: Cassie Warner, Jesse (Jamie) Warner and Amanda Warner. Don was so proud of his children and so thankful that all three of his children live in Miles City. After his children entered his life, Don made a bold career change. He arrived home for the weekend and said sorry Joyce but I am unemployed as of today. I will not be a weekend husband and dad. He quickly got a job working for Darigold which allowed him to be home every evening with his wife and kids and the added bonus of unlimited ice cream.
After a couple years Don moved his family to the family ranch. Don’s dad needed help running the ranch. Don loved this work and loved raising his kids on a ranch. After a couple years Don was given an opportunity to go to college. This was probably the hardest decision Don had to make. With much encouragement from his dad, Don chose to go to college. Don graduated with high honors in electronics from Miles Community College receiving a full scholarship to Montana State University- Northern which he graduated with a bachelors in electronics. Don received the honor of student of the year from both Miles Community College and Montana State University – Northern. After graduating from college Don moved his family to Laurel and worked for Computers Unlimited. He had only been in Laurel a year when he received an application from Miles Community College to teach their electronics program. Don stated “this must be a mistake I’m not a teacher.” After a couple days Joyce told Don I would love to live in Miles City maybe you should fill out the application and see what happens. It only took a few days and Don was contacted for an interview. When Don arrived for his interview at the college, he was told the job was his if he would accept. The instructor who taught Don electronics was retiring and Don’s name was given as a replacement. Don was considered the most extraordinary student the electronics program had ever had. Don accepted the job and moved back to Miles City. He was an exceptional electronics teacher and he loved teaching, but the college soon realized that Don had many other extraordinary skills. Whenever the college had any technical issues, they could call Don and he would fix the problem. The college became amazed that there wasn’t much Don couldn’t fix which included computers. With this knowledge the college had Don teaching electronics and computer classes. Don’s knowledge of technology led the college to create a new position for Don to advance the colleges technology. A few years later the college made Don IT Director of the college which is the position Don held at his passing. Don worked at MCC for 27 years. Don valued and loved his MCC family.
Don’s favorite thing to do was spend time with his family. He was blessed with three grandchildren who he loved beyond words and he was so proud of each of them, granddaughters Karlee and Kaycee Warner and grandson Grayson Warner filled his heart with laughter, happiness and love. His grandchildren always put a smile on his face and a warm feeling in his heart. Don was further blessed with honorary grandchildren that he loved and held a special place in his heart: Alara, Alyssa, Josh, Brynn, Piper and Roland.
Don’s faith in Jesus Christ was visible to all who knew him. Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Don had a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, he read his bible every morning keeping his focus where it needed to be, on his Lord and Savior. Don put emphasis on his own integrity and lived to please God. He had an inward devotion for God that outwardly displayed that devotion. Don shared his faith with everyone. The nature of God was reflected in Don. Don desired to please the Lord more than himself.
Don was an active board member for the Pregnancy Outreach Clinic. He valued this position and was proud of what the clinic stood for. The clinic provides excellent care, compassionate support and honest guidance that is given with grace by wonderful people. Don was an active volunteer for Relay For Life, helping in any way he could. In the little spare time Don had, he was a regular league bowler. Don has held office on both the local and state level for over 10 years. He valued the friends he made over these past years with many becoming very close friends. Every Friday morning for the past 20 years Don has met at Grace Bible Church for a men’s bible study. Don loved this group of men and considered them his dearest friends. Don said the prayers and support these men unselfishly gave cannot be expressed in words. Please know you were loved by Don and he valued the spiritual support you gave him.
There are so many kind, loving and unselfish stories that can be told about how amazing of a person Don was. For all who have those memories treasure them in your heart. To all Don’s close friends as I know there are way too many to list. Know without a doubt Don treasured you.
Don is survived by his wife Joyce, daughter Cassie, son Jesse (Jamie), daughter Amanda, granddaughters Karlee and Kaycee, grandson Grayson, sister Rowena Miller and brother Bruce Warner, nieces Maya and Jenifer, nephews Seldon (Lauren) and Robert, a very special mother-in-law Janice and many other loved ones. Don was preceded in death by his parents Donald and Rowena Warner, a sister Carolyn Gross, a sister-in-law Carol Losey and a nephew Michael Losey.
To all who knew Don please celebrate his life for that is what he would have wanted. Don is with his heavenly father. “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more, grief, crying, and pain will be no more because the previous things have passed away. Rev. 21:4
Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 2, 2021 from 1:00-5:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Funeral services will be held on Friday, September 3, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at Grace Bible Church in Miles City. Interment will follow in the Custer County Cemetery.
The family would like to thank everyone for all the love and support during this time. For those wishing to send condolences to the family you can do so by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Thursday September 2, 2021
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
10:00 a.m.
Friday September 3, 2021
Grace Bible Church
3505 Stower Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Thursday September 2, 2021
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
10:00 a.m.
Friday September 3, 2021
Grace Bible Church
3505 Stower Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
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Liz Wheeler says
Joyce and family, we are so, so sorry for your loss. Don was truely one of the kindest men we have ever had the privilege of knowing. We always remember our pizza nights (or tacos). So many smiles. Always willing to help with computer issues, and so gracious about it! You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Liz and Stan Wheeler
Kim Smarsh says
Don was a true gentleman…always willing to help and a great resource. He was an avid, active volunteer with Relay For Life. My sympathy to his family.
Garth Sleight says
I was devastated yesterday, August 29th, to learn of Don’s passing just the day before. Don was a student of mine 30 years ago when he was a 32-year-old kid and I was a 36-year-old kid. We became colleagues 27 years ago. Don was a wonderful friend and colleague. Back in the day, Jim Joyce, Larry Torstenbo, and I affectionately referred to Don as Merlin (as in the Magician) because Don was such a brilliant trouble shooter and problem solver. We were office neighbors for many, many years. Don’s passing leaves a gaping hole in many hearts, and certainly at MCC. My sincerest condolences go to Joyce and all of the family. RIP, Merlin, but you left us way too soon!
Terry becker says
Joyce and family,don was a very good friend , and he will be missed by everyone, the lord needed him to come home.
Stefani Hicswa says
Joyce and Family,
My deepest sympathies. I worked with Don for 7 years. He was always willing to do whatever it took to get the job done. He will be missed.
Stefani Hicswa, MCC President 2006-2013
Connie Watts says
I was shocked and devastated to hear this news. Don was one of the good ones – always so kind and gracious. He will be deeply missed. May God comfort his family and friends, and may God bless him always.
Ron Slinger says
On behalf of the MCC Board, Faculty and Staff, I would like to express our sincere condolences. Don was such a wonderful, gentle, kind man. He will be greatly missed by everyone at the College. Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Susannah Michaelson says
I am so sorry. I admired Don so much. He was always kind to me and my children. Our love to your family. May God hold you tightly.
Richard DeShields says
Thank you Warner family sharing Don with us! He was a valued colleague and friend. The things that I hold close to my heart about Don is his faith and his support of others. I’m also so appreciative of his willingness to include me in bowling (something that allows me to have social connections that I sometimes struggle with). He will truly be missed!
Lance Clark says
Joyce, Bruce and Warner Family,
On behalf of my Mom and I, our hearts go out to you during your time of loss.
May your treasured memories be many.
May his celebration of life be significant and friends, family and colleagues share great stories and love to weave a tapestry of joy and special time in gathering.
Lance Clark, Bozeman
Darlene Clark, Miles City
Faron and Katie Deason says
Joyce and family ,
Our hearts break with yours as we know it is hard to breath right now . eventually may the comfort of Gods words help to ease your pain and sadness .,the promise that we will be with our loved ones again . I love these words from a song . It kind of sums up great relationships that you all had
( I will always have a place for you for all my life .in my dreams I will always see you . And everywhere I am there you will also be.)
Your hearts will always carry a piece of who he was .. and may that bring you all great comfort in the days and years yet to come . May sadness be replaced with happy memories of a wonderful life you all shared together.
He truly loved you all .
Ellen Swenson says
I’ve never submitted anything on this site about anyone but I need to express my deepest sympathy to the Warner family!! Over 20 years ago I with others were a signed the task of developing the Hospice program for Holy Rosary Hospital! Being totally illiterate to computers I was given Don’s name I went and visited him at the college, to help with forms and whatever we needed to make this program successful, he graciously accepted this task and never asked for anything but to help! We accomplished this “monumental “ task because of his willingness to help and he spent many days and hours making everything perfect ! When the state came in to survey us we had 0 deficiencies which was in heard of! The hospice program was established and operated to this day because of people like him!!! He is my unsung HERO as there’s no way this could have been accomplished without him!!!! To the Warner Family I will be eternally grateful as I’m sure many families will be as they had this program aid them in a dignified end to there loved ones life on earth! May God richly bless Don and his family as it’s the unsung heroes and he deserves the glory!!! To Jessie, Joyce and all his family I can only say many, many Thanks to a very unselfish man that gave everything to help and never asked for anything but to achieve a truly worth while program to become reality! Again I say Thank you and my eternal gratitude!
Pam Rogge says
My prayers and condolences are with the Warner family at this time and in days ahead. He will be missed!!!
Darbie Karch and family says
So sorry to hear of Don’s passing. What a gentle soul he was. He will be sorely missed by all. He was very knowledgeable in computer technology and helped so many. Never wanting anything in return. Rip Don!
Patricia Franklin says
My condolences to Don’s family and friends. May he rest in peace!
Melinda Lynnes says
Dear Warner Family,
I had the privilege of working with Don at MCC as well as working with him on Relay for Life. He was a man of faith and dignity as well as a top-notch computer specialist. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
With deepest sympathy,
Melinda Lynnes
Betty J Vail says
Warner Family,
I was stunned to read of Don’s passing. He and I worked together on the Relay for Life at MCC and he was always there with computer advice when I needed it. Prayer to the family and extended family in Broadus also.
Tom and Judy Collins. says
We were very sorry to hear of Don’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with all the family
Rae Losing says
Sorry to hear of Don’s passing. I worked with him at MCC and with Relay for Life. He love of God was evident in his life. Prayers being sent for his family.
Barb Shields says
Joyce and family4q.
I remember him bowling with me so many times and working on my computer. Such a nice guy.
David McIntyre says
I am so sorry to hear of Don’s passing. I had the privilege of working with Don the last 27 years. In this time we shared a lot of life stories, from his growing up on the ranch to raising children. He was not only a wonderful friend but a great mentor. I always called him Donald D. and he always called me Davie. When I recievied my 30 year certificate recognition from the college yesterday my name on it is Davie McIntyre. Being that Don is the person that called me that made it extra extra special. How neat is that? My prayers are with you all.
Kathy Blumhagen says
Dear Joyce and Family, Dale and I are so sorry for your great loss. We didn’t know Don very well but we heard about all his special qualities and knew that he was a very giving and kind man. He is not in pain anymore and that was one of our prayer request. I know that he is with the Lord now and that the whole Heaven is Rejoicing. May God surround you and your family with His Comfort and Love. With all our sympathy, love and prayers. Kathy & Dale Blumhagen
Gwen Strub says
I am so very sorry for his family’s loss & the MCC family too. I enjoyed working with him at the college, he was truly one of the kindest people.
J T says
How cool was it that Don came to MCC and completed Marty Lemelin’s electronics program, finished his degree at Northern, and came back to take over the electronics program at the college. He was outstanding instructor, colleague and friend. I shall miss Merlin. jT
Jessie Dufner says
To all of Don’s family: I am so very sorry to hear of Don’s passing. I had the wonderful privilege to work with Don for many years at MCC. He always had the best interest of students in his heart. I will always remember him for his kindness and patience with all of us. He always had a positive attitude and found the good in everything and everyone. One of my memories that sticks out so prominently of him was when we were in the middle of the Banner conversion at MCC. He and I were traveling to Missoula for training. The sun was starting to set and the sky was overcast. There was a moment when the sun’s rays split through the clouds in all different directions and Don commented about how God was present in those sun rays. That was one of many conversations we had about faith. He had such a deep conviction and strong faith in God. I have no doubt he is smiling down on all of us from Heaven. Rest in peace, Don, you will be missed.
Gary L Cridland says
Thank you Don (& your family for sharing you). Thank you for your dedication to the Grace Bible Church men’s group. Sharing your faith & life for decades every Fri am has made a huge difference in my life and I am sure others can claim the same.
Also thank you Don for your commitment to the Pregnancy Outreach Clinic. You were there in the startup & never backed off sharing your time & talents as God leads us forward serving Jesus. Your ongoing efforts & training are key to continuing Outreach Clinic growth & development.
Although you are going to be missed much, your legacy will carry on through your family & friends because of what you taught us all about having a relationship with Jesus & following Him.
Thank you Don for being you. There is no doubt that God is smiling upon you and saying ” WELL DONE GOOD & FAITHFUL SERVANT”
LaVerne Jones Hebner says
When scanning the Stevenson obituaries I noticed a Don Warner whose photo had our family’s “Warner eyes”. After reading about him I was then sure that his dad was my mom’s cousin and I remember going to Don and Bebe’s wedding at the M.C. Presbyterian Church when I was a teenager (long ago). He looks much like his grandfather, Beecher Warner, my mom’s uncle did. It’s a shame that I had no way of knowing these things until now. He must have been a very special man. I do send my sympathy and prayers for your loss and will plan on greeting him in Heaven one of these days. Meanwhile those “Warner eyes” are sure to carry on to another generation. My hugs to you all.
Lawrence Torstenbo says
Joyce and Family,
I was so sorry to hear about your loss and I am broken hearted by your loss. Don was always a fantastic help at the college and his level of expertise was such an integral part of the Library Learning Resouce Center! His ability to solve complex technology problems was what made the college grow and adapt to current tecnolgy innovations! He truly will be missed by his cohorts and friends and I believe God’s blessing and graces will be bestowed on you and the family.
Beth (Oswald) Brunk says
Oh Don…you were such a blessing. Such a kind, quiet, funny soul. You taught me so much as a co-worker and friend at MCC. You were a gift to the community and you are gone way too soon. Condolences to his family. He was very admired and appreciated at the college. Rest in Peace, my friend.
Greg Wickes - UM says
We here at the University of Montana worked with Don regularly and often since 2010, when he became a crucial partner to our overall IT team, helping us support Miles City Community College.
His manner, intellect, work ethic and dedication to was of great help to us, and doubtlessly advanced the cause of the College all those years, and that foundation will carry on for years to come.
He was a great colleague, a very fantastic man, and I know from conversations we had over the years, a great family man.
We will all miss him greatly.
To Miles City, thanks for sharing a little piece of yourselves with Missoula through Don.
We miss you Don.
Greg Wickes – University of Montana
Pam Hurr says
Joyce and family, I was so sad and shocked to hear the news about Don. I am so sorry. He was one of the kindest men I knew and was always so helpful when we needed his great tech support when we had Erin’s Crystal Ball. I know he will be missed by so many. Such a kind and generous soul gone too soon. May you all treasure all of your wonderful memories with him until you are with him again some day!
Louise says
Hey Bruce, my condolences to you and all of Don’s family for his passing. He was a beautiful man.
Wayne Wetherelt Jr says
To the Warner family. Don was a classmate of mine in high school. A really nice guy. We lost touch through the years but I am so happy he shared his love with others. A wonderful tribute to him through his obituary. May he Rest In Peace. Treasure the memories created and May they give you some comfort.
Bob and Lynn Lunde says
Joyce and family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Prayers for comfort and peace in time. The Lundes.
Christopher Taylor says
To the Warner family,
I am sorry for your loss. A few of my favorite memories involved Don. I remember when I was invited out to the Warner ranch and Don and Jesse taught me how to ride a dirt bike. I also remember Don hooking up an LAN at their house so we would all play computer games together (back in the 90’s).
He will be missed.
Alicia Esteves says
Jesse i am so sorry to hear about the passing of your dad. Sending prayers for strength during this difficult time.
Frank and Pearl Lane says
May you find peace in all your memories of your life together.
Guy Rolison says
My name is Guy Rolison from Laurel. I was very honored to serve on state bowling board with Don. One of the nicest and most honorable men I have ever meet. As chair for the state bowling tournaments, I looked to Don for his great expertise in computer programing and web site design. Don brought the state bowling into the new world of technology. Truly a remarkable human being inside and out. His heart was always in the best interest of everyone else. A real giant of a man, in a real quiet body. I am truly sorry for your loss. Another good one taken way too soon.
Pam Moths Nisley says
My prayers for comfort for all his loved ones! I did not know Don, but did know his parents. I had the privilege of helping his mom with VBS music. May you all trust in Jesus as Don did……then it is not good bye…. just so long……see you later 🙂 This was a powerful service, thanks to everyone who shared!!
Susie (Warner) Bragg says
Don was my cousin, and even though we were states apart, you have always been in my prayers. I am sending my love and prayers to you as always and to your family as well.
May God’s love be with you now and always 🙏🏻❤️💐
Susie (Warner) Bragg , [Kenmore, WA]
Lisa Watson says
Joyce and family,
It was with great sadness that I heard of Don’s passing. I met Don at MCC where we worked together for almost 5 years. Don was a patient mentor, teacher, and friend. On many occasions I enjoyed his laughter, love of God and creative spirit. To those who know and loved Don I hope you can recall, as I do, the smile and that twinkle he had in his eye at any given time. Always one to support another person, Don has raised many a good man and woman far beyond his immediate family. With love and wishes for comfort through the stories and love he shared with us all.
Dolores Meidinger Willson says
It has been almost eight years since Rick passed away, but I still remember him talking about how helpful Din was to him in setting up his computer systems at City Hall, as well as at home. We lost a very good man.
Molly Fjell says
I’m so sorry to hear about Don. He was one if the nicest people I had the pleasure of working with at MCC. He was always kind and generous. Always reaching out and trying to find ways to connect with people. His light was bright and gone far too soon. My sincere condolences for your family.