David Okon

David Melvin Okon, 78, of Missoula, MT, passed away on Sunday, May 12, 2024, at St. Patrick Hospital. He was born on July 31, 1945, in Detroit, Michigan, to Melvin Okon and Doloris Darga Okon. As a child, his family moved around the country, and he has fond memories of working at his grandfather's gas station in Prescott, AZ. Also, he shared many stories of catching and breaking wild horses in Utah and Arizona.

He joined the U.S. Navy and served two tours, serving in Vietnam and the Canary Islands. After he was honorably discharged, he moved to Libby, MT, where he met his loving wife, Patricia Gilkison. They were married on March 13, 1971, in CDA, ID. They were married for 53 years.

He completed his carpentry apprenticeship in 1975, becoming a journeyman carpenter. He was a member of the Carpenters Union and a member of the VFW. He retired from UCI Medical Center in 2000 and moved to Florence, MT, to be near his son and granddaughters. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and had many stories to share. He made several trips to Alaska to visit his daughter and loved to fish for salmon and halibut, enjoying many memories. He also enjoyed woodworking and was a master craftsman. He took pleasure in working hard and building things with his hands.

Many will remember his positive attitude, his smile, his belly laugh, and his words of encouragement. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He always had treats in his pocket for the grandkids that he loved so very much. He was loved by many friends and family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Melvin Okon and Deloris Okon, son Cory Okon, daughter-in-law Pam Okon, granddaughter Meghan Okon, and nephew Heath Okon.

Survivors include his wife, Patricia Okon, son Randy (Colleen) Okon, daughter Jennifer (Joshua) McQueen, granddaughters Austen and Andie McQueen, Morghan Okon, and grandson Locklan Morris. Additional survivors include brothers Mike (Gay) Okon, Ron (Vickey) Okon, Jerry Okon, Doug Clark, Scott (Karlene) Clark, Arlene (Jimmy) Starr, and Linda Foster.

Services will be held on Friday, June 14, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. in Missoula, MT, at the Western Montana State Veterans Cemetery.