Donald V. Horan

Great Falls – Donald V. Horan, 92, of Great Falls, passed away at home surrounded by family on Tuesday, October 11, 2016. Visitation will be held at O’Connor Funeral Home on Friday, October 14th from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A graveside service with military honors will take place on Saturday, October 15th, at 11:00 a.m. at Mount Olivet Cemetery. O’Connor Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. Donald “Don” was born February 14, 1924 in Eden, Montana where he was raised on the family farm. He attended the McCumber School and received his high school education at St. Mary’s. In 1942, Don married the love of his life, Ruth Frank, and they recently celebrated 74 years of marriage. Don enlisted in the Navy during World War II, but was transferred into the Marine Corp as a medical corpsman and sent to the South Pacific to help offset their heavy casualties. There he was awarded two battle stars for the conflict on the island of Vela la Vela; two battle stars for Guam and the Victory Medal plus the Halsey Citation on Guam. Don was also awarded the Asiatic Pacific Medal and a medal for the occupation of Japan. After the war, he was employed by the Great Northern Railroad. From 1957 to 1978, he served his community as a Sergeant and as a detective with the Great Falls Police Department, where he received numerous accolades. He was the police officer chosen to guard President Kennedy during his visit to Great Falls. After his retirement from the force, he worked as a security guard for the Columbus Hospital. Don enjoyed fishing and helping out at the family farm, but most of all he loved spending time with his family. Don is survived by his wife, Ruth Horan; his son Tim D. Horan (Jan); his daughters, Donna Tuskind (Ron); Kathy Heusel (Rick); like a son, Ron Hilbig (Kathleen); his sister Patricia Harris; seven grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his daughter Michelle Horan; a great-granddaughter; four brothers; and two sisters. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Great Falls Community Food Bank, 1620 12th Ave N, Great Falls MT, 59401, or the American Red Cross of Montana, 1300 28th St. S, Great Falls MT 59405.