Donald Neal Don Eastep

On the 30th day of December 1934, in the beautiful City of Livingston, Montana, Donald Neal "Donny" Eastep was born to Edgar Neal and Mary Francis (Molly) Shipton-Eastep. He joined a sister, Darleen in the family home that had also been Mollys childhood home on C Street.Don was born at the Lott Hospital on Callender Street and his mother saved the bill for his birth which, including delivery fees and the required 13 days in the hospital totaled $58.00. We always teased him about being a real bargain!Don spoke often of the fun he had growing up in Livingston. He loved telling about the ONeil neighbors he grew up with and the endless adventures and lessons they shared. Don graduated from Park County High School in 1953. After school he worked for the Northern Pacific Railroad while attending Montana State College in Bozeman. After college, Don worked with his father at Easteps Shoe Repair. Eventually Don took ownership of the store and opened Easteps Western Wear. Don often reflected upon those days and fondly said, "Through those doors walked the best people on earth." Don loved reflecting on his time in downtown Livingston. Don loved reminiscing about the times when the town was so close knit the locals would know whose dog had wandered downtown and took it upon themselves to return the dogs home.After retiring from the western wear store, Don associated with his friends, Bob and Dee Payne at Century 21, Payne Realty. There he met another associate, Mimi Lombard, and they were married on June 26, 1993. They celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary this year. Their greatest blessing was the blended family they both shared. Don is survived by his wife, Mimi Eastep; children, Dawna Lee Eastep of Sacramento, California, Kimberly Elliott of Worland, Wyoming; Ronald Neal Eastep of San Luis Obispo, California; Kent William Lombard (Katrina) of Worland, Wyoming; and Lance Eric Lombard (Katelynn) of Bozeman, Montana. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister; his son, Johnathan Eric Lombard and daughter, Heidi Leigh Lombard-Gilmore. He is also survived by grandchildren, Harley and Korie Sapp, Chantel Alcaraz, Cortney Thomas (Cody), Colby Wartman, Peyton Elliott, Samuel and Sophia Lombard and Heidi Lombard; great-grandchildren: Everett, Truman, Harvest Thomas; niece, Laureen Cooper (Jeff), and nephew Gary Link (Linda). Many special and forever friends including Jeff and Sandy Joseph, Vern and Marge Rothschiller, the Jack Fisher family and the Harry Carlson family.We, as a family, are all grateful for our memories on the banks of the Yellowstone River and the beauty of the Yellowstone Valley.Don passed away at his home on Thursday, October 11th, 2018 with his family by his side. A memorial service will be held 11:00 A.M. on Friday, Oct. 19th, hosted at the Holbrook United Methodist Church, 424 W Lewis St, Livingston. Veterans honors will follow the service at the church. A reception will follow the service.