Donald Frank Tunnell

DARBY - Donald Frank Tunnell, 85, longtime Darby resident passed away Thursday, January 27, 2011 at his home. He was born September 1, 1925 in Klamath Falls, OR the son of Frank and Emma (Cauddle) Tunnell.
Don was raised and educated in Klamath Falls and Merril, Oregon and Dorris, California, attending Butte Valley High School in Dorris, CA. After high school, Don was drafted into the US Army and served until his honorable discharge. He was stationed in Japan at the end of WWII until his discharge in April of 1947.
Don married Evelyn Voelker on August 22, 1948 in Klamath Falls. Together they resided in Dorris, CA where Don and Evelyn began ranching. Don also worked at the sawmill in Dorris. They sold the ranch in 1969 and Don became a foreman on another ranch. Together they moved to the Bitterroot Valley in 1972 and Don continued ranching in Darby.
He also worked at the Champion Mill in Darby, for Alan Muir at the Trapper Peak Ranch and for Lyle Barringer. Don was known for plowing many driveways around Darby in the winter time. Don and Evelyn remained in Darby until moving to Victor in 2009.
Don served on the board of the Bitterroot Community Federal Credit Union in Darby for many years. He enjoyed hunting, fishing (especially in the ocean), going to the mountains, bee keeping and puzzles. Don especially loved old time music and movies and had a large collection of both.
Don was preceded in death by his parents; 3 brothers; 3 sisters; and his great-grandson, Truitt Scott Harman. He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Evelyn, of Victor; 4 children, Marilyn A. Titus and husband Buck of Darby, Jack D. Tunnell and wife Lavada of Glendive, MT, Donna J. Thrailkill and husband Mark of Victor and Patricia S. Buhler and husband Wayne of Darby; sister, Louise Dawson of Klamath Falls, OR; brother-in-law, Lee Harrington of Dorris, CA; 11 grandchildren, Rob Titus, Rebecca Rouse, Tammy Schrieber, Cheri Wilson, Beth Regan, Jessica Harman, Jeremy Manz, Jamie Manz, Tanin Buhler, Faver Buhler and Kenny Buhler; 22 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives.
There will be a reception following the committal services at the Darby Clubhouse. The family suggests that memorials be made in Don's name to the American Heart Association.