Raymond "Frenchie" Doucett

Raymond “Frenchie” Doucett, 92, of Missoula passed away Saturday, March 29, 2025 at Auberge in Missoula. A Mass of Christian Burial will held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, April 10, 2025 at Blessed Trinity Catholic Church in Missoula. Burial with Military Honors will be held at 1:30 p.m., Thursday, April 10, 2025 at the Western Montana State Veterans Cemetery. Online condolences may be left at gardencityfh.com.

Raymond Doucett, son of Lester and Margaret (Starinski) Doucett, was born February 21, 1933 in Fort Benton, Montana. He attended school in Butte but started working shoveling coal at Butte Railyards at the age of 16. He started working as an apprentice baker before enlisting in the United State Navy at the age of 18. After being honorably discharged, he enrolled at the Hobart Welding School in Troy, Ohio. Raymond met the love of his life, Beverly Ferguson, in Troy and the couple was united in marriage on October 30, 1957. The couple and their first born moved to Missoula in 1959. Raymond commuted and worked welding missile silos in Great Falls. He worked as an Iron Worker and Pipefitter for many years; working at Van Evans, Champion Internation and Stimpson before retiring at the age of 69. He helped start the Union at Van Evans and served as President.

Raymond was a member of the Blessed Trinity Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus. He had a green thumb and was a talented gardener who’s beloved wife canned all the produce. Raymond was known to build rather than buy things, most famously welding his own pontoon boats, the first on Flathead Lake. He was laid back and content but could be stubborn if he was passionate about the matter. Raymond enjoyed going to auctions, riding bicycles with Beverly, and socializing with his friends. He cherished the time he was able to spend with those he loved.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Beverly Doucett; children, Bret Doucett, Brent Doucett; Lavonne “Bonnie” Doucett; one step-grandson Coltin Wevley; siblings, Don (Sandy) Doucett; Maryan Doucett; nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Raymond was preceded in death by his parents Lester and Margaret; sisters, Delores Doucett; Bonnie “Ted” Ryland; and Ilene (Erwin) Green.