Donnie R. Birdine, Jr., 33, Dickinson, died Friday, December 21, 2012 at St. Joseph’s Hospital & Health Center, Dickinson. Donnie’s funeral service will be at 10 a.m., Saturday, December 29, 2012 at Ladbury Funeral Service, Dickinson, with Rev. Dan Freed officiating. Interment will take place at the Dickinson Cemetery. Visitation will be on Friday from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Ladbury Funeral Service and will continue on Saturday one hour prior to services.
Donnie was born August 9, 1979 to Donnie Ray Birdine, Sr. and JoAnne Anderson in Washington, D.C. He grew up with a large extended family and friends. After losing his father at age 9, Donnie went on to excel at Football while attending Cardozo High School, where he was a member of the ’96 &’97 All-Met Football teams. He went on to further his education at Monterrey Peninsula College, Monterrey, Calif., where he continued to excel on the football field as well. He graduated with an Associate’s Degree in Communications before going on to Dickinson State University where he once again excelled both on and off the field graduating with a Bachelor’s of Science in University Studies. While attending DSU he met his wife Holly Dietz. In his own words “From the very first moment I saw her, I knew she would one day be my wife. Thank you lord for blessing me with a beautiful wife.” They were joined in marriage August, 9, 2006 and made their home in Dickinson.
Donnie worked at Walmart for several years, while also adding time at the Days Inn (Ramada) as a security guard. He later worked at TMI for years in the Loading Department and most recently as an Operator on a Clean and Drift Crew for Wyoming Casing. He made many lasting friendships with both coworkers and customers alike. He always had a ready smile and the ability to put everyone at ease. Anyone who had the privilege to spend time with Donnie, never left without saying what a great guy he was.
He is survived by his wife Holly; five children, Donnie, Dontrell, Donyea, Dontay and Donaven, all of Dickinson; his mother, JoAnne Anderson, Washington, D.C.; grandparents, John (Stella) Birdine, Maryland; brothers, Todd (Dominick) Hicks, Colorado, Ricardo (Paulette) Dyson, Dickinson; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews; in-laws, William & Carol Dietz, Mandan; and numerous special friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Donnie Ray Birdine Sr.; grandparents, Walter and Yvonne Anderson, and Eloise Birdine; and a special uncle, Lionel Anderson.
