Donald Phillip Hart

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Dad (Donald Phillip Hart) passed away at his home on Feb. 8, 2012.

Dad was born on Sept. 16, 1935, to Phillip and Amelia (Fox) Hart in Laurel. He played a lot of baseball in his younger years, and was an outstanding pitcher. He graduated from Billings Senior High in 1954. After graduation, he served in the Army at Fort Sill (Okla.) and White Sands (N.M.), and was honorably discharged in 1959. Upon returning home, he went to work for Billings Storage and Warehouse, where he remained for 33 years.

Dad met the love of his life, Margaret Lowenstein, on a blind date. They were married on Sept. 24, 1960.

Dad loved football and baseball. The Chicago Bears and Los Angeles Dodgers were his teams, and he could recall almost any former player of either team. He had an extensive collection of sports books dating back to the early 1940s. He also loved the outdoors, especially fishing on the West Gallatin River, where his worries floated downstream. When he wasn't fishing, he was working in his yard, spending countless hours on his roses, and they were absolutely beautiful. Dad enjoyed the holidays; at Christmastime, he would enter the city decorating contest, winning first place a couple of times and honorable mention several times.

Don is preceded in death by his parents; brother Jerry; and sisters Florence Nelson and Charlotte Bergquist.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Margaret; and son Terry (Marianne) and grandson D. Payton; three stepsons, Pat, Perry (Barb) Lowenstein, Bryan (Stacey) Lowenstein; and three grandchildren, Jeff Lowenstein, Callie and Jody Lowenstein.

The world lost a wonderful man who never turned down anyone who needed help. Thank you for being our husband, father and grandpa. You're the BEST!

Visitation will be held 9am- 5pm Saturday at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary, 1001 Alderson Avenue. Memorial services will be 1pm Monday at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary.

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