Donald Milton Whitmarsh

Donald Milton Whitmarsh
February 3, 1943 – August 27, 2025
Donald "Don" Milton Whitmarsh, 82, passed away at his home in Libby on August 27, 2025. He was born February 3, 1943, in Libby, Montana, to Opal Nerrine (McAllister) and John Woodrow Whitmarsh, the youngest of four children.
Don's childhood was full of energy, adventure, and more than a little "good trouble" alongside his brothers and sister. Life required him to grow up quickly, however-his mother passed away when he was just 12.
At Libby High School, Don was a natural athlete. He excelled in football, basketball, and track, lettering each year and earning a reputation as a dedicated competitor.
Just out of high school, Don married Robin Vincent. They had two children, Rebel in 1963 and Shane in 1965. He later married Susan Melcher, and they were together for nearly 15 years before divorcing in 1989.
In 1996, Don married Vicki Lowery, gaining another daughter, Jennifer. Together, he and Vicki shared 30 years, enjoying their Montana way of life-snowmobiling in the winters, camping and boating in the summers, and adventuring year-round with their beloved Yorkie dogs by their side.
Don was well known for his tireless work ethic. He worked until his body simply wouldn't let him anymore. Throughout his career, he operated on nearly every kind of heavy equipment, but his passion was trucking. He was a legend driving logging trucks and dump trucks, and for years owned his own truck, "Burn 'N' Daylight." In the 1960s, Don spent more than five years working on the construction of Libby Dam-helping build the railroad tunnel, Highway 56, and working as a "dinky" operator as the massive monoliths were poured. He also worked on the Alaska Pipeline in the 1970s before returning to Libby to continue trucking.
He played as hard as he worked. Don always had toys-snowmobiles, four-wheelers, side-by-sides, boats-and he was a daredevil on anything fast. Anytime he got himself in a pickle or something went wrong, you'd hear him say, "Jiminy crickets."
A lifelong gun enthusiast, Don had so many firearms at one point that during a routine trip into Canada, border control thought he was a gun dealer. Beyond guns and toys, Don loved to dance-he made it a point to dance with all the women in his life. He also enjoyed time in the kitchen, making salsa, his version of toffee crunch, prime rib, and his signature "belly warmers."
Don was fond of family and always looked forward to Whitmarsh gatherings, whether in Montana, Colorado, or meeting in Utah to play on the red rocks. He loved making memories with his siblings, nieces, and nephews. He cherished his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was always at birthday parties and holiday gatherings, with his trademark toothpick tucked in the corner of his mouth. Nothing made him happier than watching a football game, going hunting together, taking them on Razor rides, or watching them fly through the air behind his boat on what he dubbed "the Green Weenie."
He is preceded in death by his parents, Woodrow and Nerrine; and his brothers John "Jack" and Eugene "Bear."
Don is survived by his wife, Vicki of Libby; his children Rebel (Bill) and Shane (Gina), both of Libby; his stepdaughter Jennifer (Dave) of Kalispell, Montana; and his sister Arla of Cedaredge, Colorado. He is also survived by his grandchildren Jill of Walnut Creek, California, Shayna (Josh) of Troy, Montana, Darby (Nathaniel) of Helena, Montana, Carson (Quinn) of Libby, Tana of Libby, and Dylan and Chase of Kalispell, Montana; great-grandchildren Kylie, JW, Eva, Jahger, and Bennett; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Don leaves behind a legacy of hard work, adventure, laughter, and love-a life well lived, and a family deeply proud to call him their own.
Arrangements are under the care of Schnackenberg Funeral Home of Libby, MT. Online condolences and memories may be shared by visiting www.schnackenbergfh.com.