Donald Joseph Keough

Dad was born on February 10, 1929, in Great Falls, Montana to Roger and Mary Keough. He passed away June 27, 2024, just two days before, what would’ve been, his 72nd wedding anniversary.

Until the age of 14, Dad was raised at St. Joseph’s Orphans Home in Helena, Montana. After that, while attending school, he worked on various farms for room and board. Lying about his age, he joined the Marines at 17 years old. He began his military service on October 5, 1946, and received an honorable discharge on October 4, 1949. Along with two of his fellow Marines, he started the Marine Corps League in Great Falls. Out dancing one night, Dad met the love of his life, Dorathy James, in Great Falls. They were later married in her hometown of Joplin, Montana on June 29, 1952. They went on to have a daughter Patty, a son Jim, and another daughter Janice. Patty later passed away in March of 1999.

Dad was a proud fireman for the Great Falls Fire Department joining on November 11, 1952, and retiring as a Captain on August 29, 1979. Throughout his years spent in the fire department, one of the greatest achievements of his career came in 1966 when he saved the life of a five-year-old girl named Tari. His heroism made the front page of the Tribune, and he received accommodation from the Great Falls Fire Department. As an adult, Tari was able to meet Dad and thank him in person for saving her life.

Throughout the years, Dad was an active member in the Muscular Dystrophy Association, eventually becoming the president of the Montana Chapter. He played a large role in getting the Jerry Lewis Telethon aired locally on KRTV, spending countless hours recruiting the many volunteers it took to successfully run the telethon and charity drive. At very young ages, Dad encouraged everyone in the family to get involved by answering phones and knocking on doors to collect money for kids with Muscular Dystrophy. Throughout his many years spent with the MDA, Dad received countless handwritten letters from Jerry Lewis.

Dad was a proud member of the Independent Order for Foresters, eventually climbing the ranks and becoming part of the IOF High Court. With Dorathy by his side, he traveled throughout the United States and Canada attending various IOF functions.

Dad’s love for baseball was shown through his support and coaching of many of Jim’s baseball teams. He was always Jim’s biggest fan and was a very proud father when Jim was drafted to the Pittsburgh Pirates. In later years, no matter how cold it was, Dad rarely missed watching the Americans, Jim’s hockey team, play, always being the first fan to arrive.

Dad is survived by his son Jim (Lana), daughter Janice (Darryl) Sack, grandchildren Heather Finch, Dusty Sack, Quin Keough, Holly Clark, Kimberly Keough-Heck, Brittney Sack, Hannah Danzer, Karrah Mantel, Haven Smith, and Mackenzie Ruebens, twenty great grandchildren with one on the way, six great great grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, and his very dear friend Mac.

Dad is preceded in death by his wife Dorathy, daughter Patty, grandson-in-law Jon Danzer, great grandson Cody Benty, twin brothers Joe and Jack Keough, and sister Dorothy Fenton.   

Dad was especially bonded with his great grandchildren, attending sports events and music recitals, creating memories for them that will last a lifetime.

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