John D. “Del” McNamara

John D. “Del” McNamara, passed away on Nov. 13, 2021, at the age of 81 in Kalispell. He was born in Cut Bank on Aug. 23, 1940, to Jack and Frances McNamara.

After graduating from Cut Bank High School, Del married his first wife, Verna Luchi, joined the Navy, and was stationed at Yokosuka Naval Base in Japan as a Cryptographic Communications Technician.  While there, his first two children were born – Mike and Roxy. Upon his discharge from the service in 1962, he began working for the railroad – first with the Great Northern Railroad, then with the Burlington Northern in Helena. While in Helena, his third child, Ron, was born. He transferred to multiple locations during his railroad career, including Cut Bank, Helena, East Helena, Columbia Falls, Whitefish, and Eureka.  He retired from the railroad in 1997 in Eureka, Montana.

In 1992, he married Mavis Heil and they moved to Eureka from the Flathead Valley.  Del and Mavis were soulmates, and the last years of their lives were filled love, friendship, and unwavering dedication to each other. Sadly, Mavis passed just two weeks before Del, and they are now reunited forever.

 Del’s life was one of service and leadership, and he was a member and leader in many organizations throughout his life.  He served as the Vice President of the Montana Jaycees, before being named a life-time Jaycee International Senator.  He was a founding member and President of the North Valley Eagles Club, a proud member of the American Legion, and was very active in the labor union for railroad employees. In his spare time, he enjoyed fishing and golfing. But most importantly, Del was a master at making and maintaining friendships – once he met you, he’d never forget your name. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Frances; his first wife, Verna Luchi; and his wife Mavis McNamara, who passed away Oct. 29, 2021.

Del is survived by his brother, Ross McNamara of Barnwell, South Carolina; his children, Mike McNamara, Roxy Severance (Dan), and Ron McNamara (Naomi); his stepchildren, Kenny, Kristal, and Kathie; and his 10 grandchildren, Laci, Kyle, Aaron, Shane, Michael, Kenny, Christopher, Cassadie, Chauncey, and Randie.

A joint memorial service and celebration of life for both Del and Mavis will take place in late July / early August of 2022. Exact date and location will be published as details become available. Friends are encouraged to visit our website at www.buffalohillfh.com to leave notes of condolences for the family. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory caring for the family.