Donald William Shearer passed away peacefully on July 30th, 2024 at the age of 99 at Serenity Point Assisted Living in Townsend, Montana. He was born July 16th, 1925 in Townsend to Arthur Franklin and Evalyn (Giese) Shearer.

Don was the oldest of four brothers who grew up at the ranch on Greyson Creek. He attended grade school at the Dry Creek schoolhouse, where he enjoyed a daily commute over the ridge on horseback even before he was big enough to reach the stirrups. He later graduated from Broadwater County High School where he met his highschool sweetheart, Irene Ferrat. They were married in 1945 and had two children, David and Daniel. Their marriage spanned over seventy years.

Don spent his life working on the ranch raising cattle, hay and grain. He was a self proclaimed "jack of all trades, and master of none", whose work ethic was unmatched. He enjoyed farming and ranching alongside his sons and later his grandchildren and even great grandchildren instilling in them a love of agriculture and hard work.

As a lifelong rancher he saw more agricultural advances than most, from his early years of horse drawn implements to his last combine ride at age 98 in today's modern equipment. Ranching kept Don busy year-around but he still found time to catch the occasional fish, chase an elk in the mountains and even learned how to ski when he was in his sixties.

Anyone who knew him, knew that Don was a good neighbor, a lifelong friend, and a gentleman. An influential man to many, his integrity, honesty and fairness was emulated by those around him. He loved spending time with his family and always had a story to tell.

He is preceded in death by his parents Frank and Evalyn, his wife Irene, his son Daniel, daughter-in-law Joni, and his brothers and sisters-in-law: Lawrence (Betty), Wally (Jeanne), and Wayne.

He is survived by his son David (Mary Dale), sister-in-law Joann Parkin, Grandchildren: Kipalee (Eric) Bakken, Angela (Dan) Clark, Jack Shearer, Jordan (Anna) Shearer, Sam (Charsi) Shearer, Jenna (Austin) Grazier and 7 great grandchildren who he adored.

A celebration of his life will be held August 6th, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Trailhead Christian Fellowship Church in Townsend. Interment at the Deep Creek Cemetery will follow.  Simple Cremation Montana has assisted the family.