Douglas Farnham McMahon, 92, Minot died on Saturday, September 29, 2012 in a Minot nursing home.

Douglas was born on February 20, 1920 in Rugby, ND to Patrick and Jeanette (Sather) McMahon. He was reared and educated in Rugby and graduated from Rugby High School in 1938. As a young adult he was employed by the Great Northern Railroad (GNRR). He enlisted in the Army National Guard in 1940, was called to active duty in 1941 and served with Company D of the 164th Infantry in the South Pacific. According to 164th Infantry accounts, Sergeant McMahon was the first U.S. soldier off the first troop transport ship at Guadalcanal. For his bravery and valor in combat, he was awarded the Bronze Star and several other medals and commendations. Following his honorable discharge as a Staff Sergeant on May 31, 1945 at Fort Snelling he returned to North Dakota and continued his employment with the railroad.

Douglas married Donna Carlson on November 18, 1946 in Berthold, ND. They made their home in Minot where he continued his employment with the Great Northern Railroad. He retired in 1982 as a conductor. Following his retirement they spent the winter months in Mesa AZ.

Doug was a member of Little Flower Catholic Church, American Legion Post and United Transportation Union all in Minot and was a life member of the Knights of Columbus Council #1150. For over 20 years, while retired in Mesa AZ, he volunteered at both the St. Vincent du Paul Society and the American Red Cross. He enjoyed reading, fishing, hunting and traveling. Most of all, he enjoyed his dear wife, his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Doug's loving family includes his wife of 65 years, Donna; children: Dr. Dennis (Beverly) McMahon of St. Paul, MN; Timothy McMahon (Jackie Gund) of Olympia, WA; Judy (Keith) Bjornson of Bismarck; Jeanine (Dr. Robert) Olson of Madison WI and Mary McMahon of Chicago IL; son-in-law: William McCollum of Bismarck; twelve grandchildren; seventeen great grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Doug was preceded in death by his parents, daughter: Colleen McCollum, sister: Anna Mae McCulloch and brother: Patrick McMahon.

Mass of Christian Burial: Friday, October 5, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. in Little Flower Catholic Church - Minot.
Vigil Prayer Service and Recitation of the Rosary: Thursday at 7:00 p.m. in the Thomas Family Funeral Home Chapel - Minot.
Graveside Service: Friday at 3:00 p.m. in the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery - rural Mandan.
Visitation: Thursday from 2:00 p.m. p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home - Minot.
Memorials: In lieu of plants and flowers memorials are preferred to Little Flower Catholic Church or the Minot Catholic Schools Foundation.