Don Lilly, 90, Minot, died Monday, January 28, 2019, in a Minot healthcare facility.

Donald Francis "Mike" Lilly was born on May 30, 1928 in Minot, ND to Adelbert Wilmer "A.W." "Pat" and Alice (LaFlame) Lilly. He was raised and educated in Minot, received his G.E.D. and attended Minot State University.

Don enlisted into the U.S. Navy on July 13, 1945. He served his country in the U.S. Navy (1945-1949), U.S. Air Force (1949-1953), National Guard and U.S. Army (1961-1962) until his honorable discharge in 1962.

Don married Audrey R. Ally on June 1, 1958 at First Lutheran Church in Minot. They made their home in Minot. Don spent his working life on the railroad as a locomotive engineer. He worked for the Great Northern Railroad and Burlington Northern Railroad for 38 years, retiring from the rails in 1990. He and Audrey had enjoyed spending the winter months in Bullhead City, AZ for the past twenty years.

Don was active in his community with memberships to First Lutheran Church, Moose Lodge and Eagles Aerie and was a lifetime member of the Minot American Legion Post #26 and Elks Lodge #1089. He also maintained memberships to the National Association of Retired Veteran and Railway Employees, Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers #695, USS Kearsarge Association and the ND Bull session where he served on the board of directors. His hobbies included reading and traveling. Don enjoyed the outdoors and often hunted during his active years.

Don is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Audrey.

Donald was preceded in death by his parents.

Celebration of the Life of Don Lilly: Tuesday, February 5, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. in First Lutheran Church- Minot.
Interment: North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, rural Mandan, ND in the Spring of 2019
Visitation will be held on Monday, February 4, 2019 from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
In lieu of flowers and plants, memorials are preferred to the First Lutheran Church Foundation or Minot State University Development Foundation.

Donald Lilly Flowers