Donald Ray Neva

Don was born on October 30, 1961 in Shelby, MT. to Oscar and Mabel Neva. He passed away on December 27, 2015 also in Shelby, the town he called home his entire life.

After completing high school in 1979 he began a lifelong career with the United States Postal Service. Driving over 200 miles per day he was rightly nicknamed "The Million Mile Man" when in 2000 he hit that millionth mile. Faithful in rain, snow, ice and shine, and always wearing shorts he was a welcome sight on the horizon. He enjoyed and took pride in his work considering many on his route and in the post office his friends.

A true jack of all trades Don could be seen welding one day and building a deck the next. A passionate Minnesota Vikings fan, avid golfer and competitive bowler he loved having a good time. He enjoyed coaching little league baseball and spending countless hours each year hanging lights around his property for what were truly magical and extravagant Christmas light displays.

Music was one of the most important parts of Don's life. His deep love of music was inherited from his father and mother. Collecting records with his brother Rick was a favorite childhood hobby. He taught himself how to play the guitar and keyboard but could hold his own on the drums as well. As a young man he played in two bands, Superior, where he played with brothers Les and Rick and later The Closet Hippies where he played with Rick. He has passed down his love of all things musical to his two children who play musical instruments Dan (drums) and Juli (saxophone and clarinet).

Don married JoRhoda "Lee" Bloch in 1980 and together they built a family and a home. They had deep respect for one another and above all mutually shared a deep love for their two children, Dan and Juli.

Don was a simple man, he loved his family, friends, his music and his work. He is proceeded in death by his parents, Oscar and Mabel, and two infant sisters Debra Kay and Nancy Lynne.

He is survived by his brothers Les (Janice) of Eagle, ID., Rick of Shelby, MT., Mike of Boise, ID. Children Dan of Kalispell, MT., Juli of Palatka, FL., the mother of his children, JoRhoda "Lee" of Palatka, FL., and granddaughter Kadence Rachael Klipfer as well as wife Ruby and her children and grandchildren.

The celebration of life will be held on Saturday, January 2, 2016 at 3:00 p.m. at the Comfort Inn, Dempsey-Gibbons banquet room in Shelby, MT. All who knew and loved Don are welcome to attend.