Donald Robert Peoples Sr. entered the heavenly kingdom on March 18, 2026, dying a peaceful and prayerful death surrounded by his loving family.

Don was born August 26, 1939 to Jim and Marie Peoples. He was the youngest of five children.

Don was educated at Emerson Elementary and Boy's Central High School as a member of the class of 1957. Following high school, he went on to attend Carroll College where he was a starter on the football team. He later transferred to Mesa College in Colorado and then to Montana State University where he earned degrees in biology and secondary education.

On August 19, 1961 Don married the love of his life, Catherine Ann McGeehan, in Sacred Heart Church. Cathy was his best friend and loyal companion and it was rare to ever see one without the other. Together, they raised 4 children Don Jr., Tracey, Doug, and Kevin.

Don had a long and distinguished career serving the Butte community. In 1962, he became the Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Butte. He later went on to serve as a biology teacher and athletic director at Butte Central. In 1969, Don went to work for the Model Cities Program. In the early 1970's he became the Public Works Director for the city of Butte. In 1979, Don was appointed by the Butte City Council to the position of Chief Executive, a position he held through 1989. During his tenure as Chief Executive, he mobilized and inspired the Butte community to persevere through a profound economic crisis. His leadership helped Butte become an All-America City through the motto "The Can Do City". He was named as one of the top 20 mayors in the United States by U.S. News and World Report. In 1989, he left public office to become the Chief Executive Officer of MERDI/MSE. In that role, Don continued his commitment to Butte through economic and scientific research and development.

In addition to his professional career, Don was a member of the Montana Officials Association for over 40 years where he refereed high school and college football and basketball. He was later inducted into the MOA Hall of Fame. In 2007, he was inducted into the Butte Sports Hall of Fame for his many contributions to sports in Butte and Montana.

Don is survived by his children and spouses Don Jr. and Barb Peoples, Tracey and Mark Phillipi, Doug and Becky Peoples, and Kevin and Rebecca Peoples. He is also survived by his grandchildren Quinn (Kyle) Carter, Danny (Kinly) Peoples, Mollie (Sam) McCamley, Marc (Kylie) Philippi, McKayla (Mohamad) Alibakhiet , Zach and Wynn Philippi, Shelby Paffhausen, Dougie and Ryan Peoples, and great-grandchildren Hugh, Josie, and Anne Philippi. Don is also survived by his sisters-in-law Joyce McGeehan and Laura Lu Peoples and numerous nieces and nephews.

Don is preceded in death by his parents Jim and Marie, wife Cathy, his sisters Betty Peoples, Donna Berg, Ann Marie Wine, and brother Jim Peoples, brother-in-law Dan McGeehan, sisters-in-law Francie Barnett, Mary Ellen Redfern, Joan McLaughlin and Loretta Roberts, and beloved grandson Jacque Philippi. Don deeply missed his oldest granddaughter Mairissa Peoples, who passed away in 2014.

Watching their grandchildren compete in many sports brought Don and Cathy incredible joy. They traveled throughout the country to attend their games and many activities.

Don was a lifelong supporter and benefactor of Butte Central Catholic Schools. As a member of the Butte Central Foundation Board of Directors for over 40 years, he chaired three capital campaigns to benefit Catholic education. He was instrumental in the building of the Maroon Activity Center.

Each day is a gift, and Don lived each one to the fullest. He enjoyed life, family, and the many  friendships he formed throughout his life. He was proud of his deep Catholic faith and being from Butte America, the town that he loved.

Services for Don will be held on Monday, March 23 at St. Ann's Catholic Church with visitation from 9:00-11:00AM followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00AM.

Memorials in honor of Don are requested to the Butte Central Education Foundation in care of the Don & Cathy Peoples Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 634, Butte, Montana, 59703.