On Friday, August 22, 2025, the world lost an Eastern Montana legend. Douglas Kenneth Hollowell was born December 10, 1938. His parents, Gene and Emma (Riley) raised him in Mission Valley. They lived in a little log cabin that was located between Froze to Death Creek and Starve to Death Creek – a sure sign you had to grow up tough to survive. The cabin was built from timber gathered along the Yellowstone River. It had no running water or electricity. Doug and his three sisters, Carol, Pat and Sandy attended a one room schoolhouse through the 8th grade and then attended high school in Hysham. He lived a colorful and joy filled life. Doug lived his life fully and made his dash between his birth and death count.
Doug graduated in 1956 and then enrolled in the Air Force at age 17. He left the recruiting center in Butte, Mt on a cold 25 below zero day and arrived in San Antonio for basic training, where it was 80 degrees. He thought everywhere in the United States had the same weather as Montana, so it was a pleasant surprise. While Doug was stationed in Germany he met Elvis Presley. He also served time in London. Doug never was in a war, but he liked to joke that he fought a lot of Germans and Englishmen. He loved his time in the Air Force and thought everyone should join the Service to see the world and to have a better appreciation of the great country we live in. Doug was honorably discharged in May of 1960. When he landed back in the United States he dropped to his knees and kissed the ground. He couldn’t wait to get back to his beloved Montana.
Doug spent the next couple of years doing various jobs. He worked for his Uncle Eddy Kuch as a plumber. Doug was notorious for getting into mischief, so his dad encouraged him to go work for his Uncle John Monti in the state of Washington. When he returned to Montana, he drove beet truck for Alex Wetch. That is when he met Frankie Lange. They became fast friends. In 1963 the two of them headed to Billings to party one night. They got into a fight in a bar and the cops were called. Doug said to Frankie that they needed to get out of there because he was on probation and couldn’t get arrested! Frankie said, “My sister Diana lives in those apartments over there – let’s go there!” That night changed Doug’s life. He was smitten, love at first sight. He said to Diana, “You know what I am going to do, I am going to marry you some day!” She said, “NO YOU’RE NOT!” It took some courting and convincing, but Doug won her heart, and they were married on March 31, 1964.
Doug and Diana had four sons: Frank, twins Shawn and Dana, and Matthew. Dana passed a week after he was born. Doug was a great Dad to his boys. He taught them valuable life lessons as they grew up farming. He taught them it was important to work hard and when the work was done to be sure to take time to have fun, too! During the early years, Doug worked in Vananda at a bentonite plant for nine years. Although he enjoyed the guys he worked with, he hated mining bentonite. He would do shift work while his sons would do what they could to keep things running on the farm. Doug would come home, sleep a few hours, then irrigate, hay, combine, feed cows, fix fence, etc. before he had to head back to Vananda. Doug said it was one of his happiest days when he collected his last paycheck form Hallett and he could just farm and ranch.
Doug served as a Treasure County Commissioner for 18 years. He was proud to have served the county and took the job seriously. He also was a board member of the Eastern Montana Mental Health Board. Doug was always an advocate for the underdog.
Doug was well known throughout eastern Montana. He had the best laugh – he laughed with his whole body, and you could not help but to laugh along. He loved people and was genuinely interested in listening to them. He would come up with a clever nickname for you, having a special one for each of his boys and grandchildren. He always left a room brighter and happier. Doug was a great storyteller and loved songs that told a story. He loved playing his guitar and singing, he especially enjoyed playing with his son Frank. Doug and his son Shawn along with Julius Morales and Frank Moaut were in a band called “The Treasure County Travelers” and for many years played for dances around Eastern Montana.
When Diana passed away on February 15, 2021 (a day after her 78th birthday), Doug was heartbroken. Although he would go to town and entertain people with his stories and good humor, he missed his sweetheart terribly. One of the last things he told Quentin Burdick before leaving Baker on the night of his accident was that he missed his wife and couldn’t wait until he got to see her again. We feel Mom heard the loneliness in his voice and when he was passing Rosebud, where she grew up, she swooped down and took him to be with her in heaven. He finally got to kiss his little sweetheart again.
Doug was proceeded in death by his beloved wife of 58 years, Diana Cecelia Lange Hollowell, son Dana (1966), parents Eugene and Emma (Riley), sister Pat Fenton, his favorite uncle Sterman Riley and many, many dear friends.
Doug left a legacy behind him. He is survived by his three sons: Frank (Joyce), Shawn (Audrey), and Matthew (Treba), Special niece, Marion Blackman, ten grandchildren: Melissa (Sean) Graves, Monica (David) Schwoymer, Hayden (Alyssa Tjaden) Hollowell, Abbey (Ryan) Bruski, Brooke Hollowell, Hunter Hollowell, Janie Hollowell, Bon Hollowell, April Berger and Ryan (Amanda) Berger, and ten great grandchildren: Grayson and Gunner Graves, Theodore and Nora Schwomeyer, Bekka, Harper and Luke Bruski, Ezo Berger, Lucy and Josephine Berger. He also leaves behind two sisters: Carol Price and Sandy Heppner, brothers in law, Frank, Dennis, and Bryan Lange, sister in law, Patricia Lenton, and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Memorials can be made to the Eastern Montana Mental Health (2508 Wilson Street, Miles City, Montana 59301), and Samaritan’s Pantry in Forsyth (281 N 17th Ave., Forsyth, Montana 59327).
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
9:00 am to 11:00 am
Saturday September 13, 2025
Hysham High School Gymnasium
Hysham, Montana 59038
Celebration of Life
11:00 am
Saturday September 13, 2025
Hysham High School Gymnasium
Hysham, Montana 59038
Reception
Following the Celebration of Life
Saturday September 13, 2025
Hysham School Cafeteria
Hysham, Montana 59038
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
9:00 am to 11:00 am
Saturday September 13, 2025
Hysham High School Gymnasium
Hysham, Montana 59038
Celebration of Life
11:00 am
Saturday September 13, 2025
Hysham High School Gymnasium
Hysham, Montana 59038
Reception
Following the Celebration of Life
Saturday September 13, 2025
Hysham School Cafeteria
Hysham, Montana 59038
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Barb Rolston says
What a loss! Whatever hat he was wearing he was good at. Rascal, county commissioner, musician, story teller, friend, and more. Even after hearing stories of his more colorful days and knowing him for many years, I was still taken in by his detailed yarn about becoming a priest. I knew it was a stretch, but he was sooo good at b.s. My heart goes out to all his family, including brother Frank.
Pamela Belgarde Miller says
Prayers to the family. Sorry for your loss. Doug will be missed.
Michelle Simpson says
Gemini want to offer our sincere condolences. May Doug rest in peace Jim has very fond memories of visiting with Doug, but he also questions what the good Lord was thinking putting Jack and Doug together again.
Teddy Robertson Landers says
I was so sorry to hear about Doug. I was a commissioner at the same time he was. What a kind man he was and he will be missed. My prayers to the family
Bill and Rita says
Another page to the past has turned! From when I was small, there was Doug, Gene and Emma. Doug played for our wedding, sang at Dad’s funeral and at Mom’s, and entertain at Bill’s Medicare party. Along time ago, it was stated that in different circumstances Doug would have been as great as Elvis—and his voice proved that.
Our prayers to the family, you are a part of everyone who knew Doug. It is hard to loose Doug, but maybe God was kind by taking him fast—could you imagine the torture of him in a nursing home. God has a voice for praise in Heaven!
Love to the Hollowell’s❤️
Dorcas mcwilliams says
I’m so sorry to about Doug! Diane and Doug were old friends of ours, we had many good times and laughs at ball games discussing our ball players!! My prayers are with his family now!!
David Mahon says
What an incredible man. Mere words will never give justice to my appreciation of Doug. My very deepest condolences to the Hallowell family. Doug the smelly badger would come up in conversation with Frank and I, and always had us shaking our heads, smiling from ear to ear and guaranteed laughter on the latest antic that Doug was involved in. ALWAYS the life of any situation with Doug involved. He simply brightened all lives who were fortunate enough to know, experience and love this legendary giant of a man, who affectionately called me “Buffalo Head!”. Until we meet again, I will cherish your once in a lifetime sense of humor, and look forward to swapping stories with you within the gates of heaven. May God bless you and keep you and may perpetual light shine upon you for all eternity.
Melody. Allies says
I’m so sorry for your loss and I’m sending prayers and hugs to the Hollowell family 🙏💕
Lynelle Tompkins says
Lynn Tompkins says “OH NO”!!. The B.S. world became alot smaller with Dougie’s passing. His stories were legendary. The things he said he did could have become a mini-series on all channels as well watched as M.A.S.H., DALLAS AND LONESOME DOVE. He lived, loved and laughed. And it all started with, “Did you hear the one?”…Lynn Tompkins
Sharon Wetsch says
Shawn, Matt and all the Hollowell family…
You lost an incredible man. His stories were legendary!
He was just the best never forgot anyone and always had time to say Hi. He’s probably entertaining the crowd in heaven now! Our sincere condolences. Hugs and prayers.
Duane and Sharon Wetsch
Jack & Kris Crocker says
To the Hollowell family, “There is a sacredness in tears. They are not the mark of weakness, but of power. They speak more eloquently than ten thousand tongues. They are the messengers of overwhelming grief, of deep contrition, and of unspeakable love.” Doug was a wonderful man, full of laughter and jokes. He will dearly missed by all. Our prayers are with you all.
Christopher Wester says
Had the best football season watching Hunter play for Forsyth, traveling the state with Doug, Frankie Lang and Audrey while Shawn was coaching! The advice I got from all of them was hilarious! Both Doug and Frankie would get on a roll! I can’t share most of what they said, but it was great advice! I’m so sorry for your loss, and the world’s loss of a great character! Every time I see a crooked hat, I’ll think of you guys!
Ina Haines says
To Doug’s family one and all,
Being a new comer to this valley, along the line, I had occasion to meet up with your Doug Hollowell! Some of the stories he could tell!! Somehow I hope you’ve had occasion to either record them or get them written down.
The places he’s been, the things he’s done are all memories for you to treasure. May God offer you comfort and support during this time. Sincerely, Ina Haines
Robert Mysse says
Best wishes to all
Dave Lloyd says
I will miss our b.s. visits whenever we got together. You could always beat me at them and handling your booze but I still enjoyed them! Hard to lose a other old friend.
R.I.P.
Dave
Andy (Butch) and Charlys Schulenberg says
I was around Doug when We were both Young and Dumb
We had a few good times, Don’t think either one of us got any smarter in old age. I don’t think I can add anything to what everyone else has said. He was a Great Guy and Friend. I will miss Him as many others will.He’s up there with His Beautiful Wife Dian now, so may they begin another journey together ❤️ 🙏
Swede and Shirley Pfaffinger says
We will miss Doug so much as a neighbor. He was always there to help when problems came up. We will miss the sweet corn and veggie drop offs and the jokes. Doug loved his family so much and this piece of Mission Valley that he called home. He wanted to live his life there and he gave so very much back to the community that he loved.
Jim Cope says
Coperman…..That’s the name that Doug hung on me. I have known some remarkable guys in my life. Doug ranks right up there. Some of the best memories I have are of the times I helped Doug on his ranch. Never a dull moment. You could always tell when hunting season was on. Doug always had a wad of cash in his front pocket. He loved a good dice game. Doug and Shawn would get the out of state hunters into a dice game. When the hunters were broke, the fight was on. The hand is faster than the eye! One time I told Doug that I was running out of Doug Hollowell stories and asked him what I should do? He said….just make something up! I wonder if he ever finished his Perpetual Motion Machine? RIP old buddy…… Jim Cope
Brent Morrison says
One of the most genuine and honest individuals I’ve ever had the pleasure and privilege of meeting. Was full of stories that took up the day. We’re all in a hurry but he knew how to slow things down and enjoy life! I’m thankful for the time!
Kim Stanton says
Dear families,
So very sorry to read of the loss of your loved one. He certainly was a one-of-a-kind and obviously meant the world to so many people. Thank you for writing and sharing such a poignant and loving tribute of him.
“Eternal rest grant unto him o’ Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him.”
With heartfelt sympathy,
Kim Stanton and family
Doris Baldry says
Frank and family, I was never fortunate enough to know Doug, only met him twice. It sounds like he had a very interesting and full life, hoping he left you with lots of memories. Sincerely, Doris Baldry (Ballantine Mt)
Kitty Pugh says
To All The Hollowells including Marian and Frank,
I heard stories about Doug and Frank my whole life. Then, when I met them and saw them together, I believed every one of them. A special energy radiated from them. I’m glad you got to grow up with that with Diane just shaking her head and grinning that contagious grin.
Doug was always super nice to me.. I loved his grinning, giving, joke telling, caring personality. Really a Special Guy.
I’m sorry for your great loss and that you have to go thru this grieving. It’s so dang hard. Things are said and done that wouldn’t happen if you weren’t grieving. Take Care of Each Other, Your Folks would want that. Hugs to all, Kitty Pugh
gary a ryder says
Shawn and Family, Thought the best of your Father, Smart and open minded, Wishing you the best.
Mitch Mouat says
Doug introduced me to “A Man From Nantucket” and “A Mathematician Named Hall” over 50 years ago. Saw Doug this past July and these two gentlemen were still part of our conversation. Why don’t you give ole Hall a call?
Frank, Shawn, and Matt you are in my thoughts. Doug and Diana are in my heart forever!
JoAnn Gresens says
Brooke and family,
I am so sorry to hear of your grandpa’s passing. Although I didn’t know him, I know Brooke and have such a high respect for her, I can only imagine the amazing man your grandpa was and how much he will be missed. My condolences and prayers go out to you and your entire family and know you have some amazing memories that will stay close to your heart.
Jo Ann Gresens