DONALD L. "DON" BRINTON

Donald L. Brinton passed away peacefully in his sleep with his family by his side at Platte County Memorial Hospital in Wheatland, Wyoming on Monday, January 31, 2022, at the age of 88.

Don was born in Omaha, Nebraska on Thursday, February 2, 1933, to Wilbur “Shorty” and Mary (Hecox) Brinton.  He resided in Omaha until his junior year of high school when he moved to Cheyenne, Wyoming with his parents and brother, Bob and graduating from Cheyenne High.

After graduation, Don enlisted in the United States Navy and was stationed in Italy on a ship during the Korean War.  Upon return from the Navy Don became employed with Dairy Gold Foods Company starting in the plant, then as a route driver, and eventually as the Sales Manager.  Don retired from the dairy after 39 years of having a career he loved. 

Don married Louise Hildreth on October 20, 1960, and they raised five children together.  They had celebrated 61 years of marriage!  During this time Don was involved in many organizations and activities. He was Governor of the Moose Lodge, as well as being the Cheyenne Jaycees, PTA, Little Britches rodeo, and was an Ordained Deacon.  Don had many interests in his time being an avid fisherman, hunter, snowmobiler, collecting antique bottles, and camping with his family in the Brinton’s Beehive.

In 1975 the family took on a new adventure with Don in the lead.  It was decided to build a log home from the ground up on Happy Jack Road.  Don had the help of his family with the many tasks that were required to build a family home.  This log house was a source of pride for Don. 

Upon retiring Don used his spare time to enjoy what he loved.  Don would travel to Jackson, Wyoming to spend months at elk camp with his buddies and son.  He also would make the trip to Wheatland, to help with harvest, driving tractors, or hauling beets and keeping everyone entertained. 

Don’s passion was spending time with his family.  The more kids and noise that were around the happier he was.  Don would spend hours traveling and watching his grandkids participating in basketball, football, soccer, baseball, shooting sports, and fair.  He was always the best cheerleader and would sport the teams color, wearing shirts with the grandkid’s names printed on them. 

He and his wife moved to Wheatland in October of 2014 and became a member of the American Legion Post and Memorial Baptist Church.

Don was proceeded in death by his parents, Shorty and Mary Brinton; one brother, Robert “Bob” Brinton; and nephews, Jeff and Jamie Brinton.

He is survived by his wife, Louise Brinton; and five children, Kathy MacDonald of Dayton, Nevada, Koko (Buck) Reisner of Cheyenne, Jodi (Dan) Thompson of Wheatland, Cody (Cindi) Brinton of Chadron, Nebraska, Beth (Ernie) Douglas of Wheatland; 15 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Jolene Brinton; and niece, Janice Midgley.

Services were held at Memorial Baptist Church on Saturday, February 5, 2022, in Wheatland.  His ashes will be taken to the Snowy Mountains where Don loved to do all his favorite outdoor activities. 

Honorary pallbearers were his sons-in-law, Buck Reisner, Dan Thompson, and Ernie Douglas; grandsons, David Franck, Lucas Thompson, Trevor Douglas, Brit Douglas, Braden Douglas, Trace Douglas, and Eric MacDonald.

Gorman Funeral Homes – Platte Chapel of Wheatland are in charge of the arrangements.
Condolences can be left for the family at www.gormanfh.com

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