Donald Ray Bartram

Donald R. Bartram of Bozeman went to be with his Lord on September 16, 2018, surrounded by family and friends. Don was born on November 14, 1928, in Huntington, WV, and later moved to Oklahoma where his family farmed near Guthrie. He graduated from Guthrie High School in 1946 and served in the Army during the Korean War as a radio operator and Morse code instructor at Fort Lewis, WA.

After the service, he met the love of his life, Mary Lou Biggs. They were married for more than 65 years and, to that marriage, four children were born: Dianna Rienhart (Hank) of Bozeman; Janet Baeth (Steve) of Townsend, MT; Donald Bartram II (Tiffani) of Belgrade; and Connie Eason (Richard) of Aurora, CO.

Don worked at various jobs in the oil fields of Oklahoma, later joining Continental Pipeline (Conoco). Wherever the pipeline sent him—Illinois, Oklahoma, Wyoming, and Montana—Don was always active in his church; he became an ordained deacon in 1957. Don worked for Continental until 1988 when he retired as Bozeman terminal supervisor, Yellowstone Pipeline Division.

In retirement, Don and Mary Lou became avid collectors of classic Mustang cars, owning and restoring as many as 16 various models (as well as collecting parts for several more!); both were active for many years in the Bridger Mountain Pony Car Club of Bozeman. He enjoyed showing his prized vehicles at numerous car shows around the U.S. and Canada, winning many trophies for his efforts. In his spare time, Don also collected classic Farmall tractors and used them in a hobby business, Mustang Mowing.

Don is survived by his wife, four children, four grandchildren: Greg Coughlin, Shannon Zuelke (Bill), Sadie Huber (Miles), and Bridger Bartram; four great grandchildren: Conrad Zuelke, Grace Zuelke, Emmy Lou Zuelke, and Evelyn Huber; two brothers: Bill and Joe; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, stepmother, and three brothers. Don’s legacy lives on in his family and friends.