Donald Dean Britton, loving father, grandfather, brother, husband and friend passed from this world on September 17, 2024. Born in Torrington, on June 3, 1944, to Illa (Keane) and Howard Britton. Don was 80 when he passed. Don was raised in Glendo, with five brothers and six sisters.
Upon graduation from high school, Don began his working days in ranching and construction. He then married Vernell Pease and moved to Wheatland, had two daughters, and became a successful real estate broker. His final career was as the manager of the Wheatland Irrigation District, the second largest privately owned irrigation district in the country. He began as a ditch rider in 1982 and worked his way up to become the manager for 29 years from Jan. 1, 1990, to May 2019. He oversaw the storage and distribution of local water to farmers and ranchers in the community. He often spoke on the subject of water management, water rights, water law and water conservation at various seminars and events in the area. He was awarded the Four States Irrigation Council’s Headgate Award in 1997. Don became well known and respected in the community. Many people have spoken of him coming to their property, large or small, to help them understand their own irrigation and of how important it was to them that he made a point to personally take that time to help them.
With a heart of gold, Don was dearly loved by his family and friends. Always quick to extend a hand shake to greet those he knew and those who would soon become a friend. He could often be found helping others when he was not at the office. He cherished his two daughters, Lori Britton and Cari Britton Kuhlman. Don was also a doting grandfather to his three grandsons, Matt Britton, Carter Kuhlman and Drew Kuhlman. Don will be forever missed.
Don is survived by daughters Lori Britton and Cari Kuhlman; grandsons Matt Britton, Drew Kuhlman and Carter Kuhlman; sisters Karen (Majid) Montezari, Donna Harvey, Laura Moore, Linda (Jim) Miller, Eva Carlson; brothers Larry Britton and Dale Britton; along with many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews and many who he loved as family. He was preceded in death by his parents Illa and Howard Britton; his brothers Jim Britton, Bill Britton, Ben Britton, and his sister Kay Brooks.
A memorial service will be held on Sunday, November 24, 2024 at 2 pm at the 10th Street Social in Wheatland, WY. Internment will be at the Guernsey Cemetery at 11:30 am that morning before the service.
