Donald Eugene Skidmore, age 83, loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather passed away peacefully on October 15, 2018.
Don was born on September 8, 1935 in Tulare, CA to Gene and Nell Skidmore. He graduated from Tulare Union High School and served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.
In November 1961 he married the love of his life Judy. They raised 4 amazing children together and moved to Helena in 1987. He worked at R&R Diesel and J&D for many years as a talented diesel mechanic. He loved the outdoors, fishing and road trips. He volunteered at East Helena Food Share and attended East Helena Methodist Church for many years.
Don is survived by his wife Judy, his daughter Jennifer (John) Viets, his daughter Chris Killgore-Lannan, his son Don (Julie) Skidmore, his daughter Mary (Josh) Baker, 11 grandchildren, and 9 great grandchildren.
The family will receive friends 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, October 18, 2018 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N Montana Ave. A funeral service will be held at 12:00 p.m. Friday, October 19, 2018 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home. Burial with military honors will follow the service at Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Fort Harrison. A reception will follow the burial at the family’s house, 4030 Bobcat Drive in Helena. Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or share a memory of Donald.
Don was one of the kindest, most generous men, the best guy to watch a Steelers game with or sing and dance to an old country song. He loved to laugh and make others happy. He will be greatly missed.
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Thursday October 18, 2018
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Service
12:00 p.m.
Friday October 19, 2018
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial with Military Honors
Following the service
Friday October 19, 2018
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Fort Harrison, Montana
Reception
Following the burial
Friday October 19, 2018
Family's House
4030 Bobcat Drive
Helena, Montana
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Thursday October 18, 2018
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Service
12:00 p.m.
Friday October 19, 2018
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial with Military Honors
Following the service
Friday October 19, 2018
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Fort Harrison, Montana
Reception
Following the burial
Friday October 19, 2018
Family's House
4030 Bobcat Drive
Helena, Montana
Share
Dave Anderson says
Judy and family ~
So sorry to read of Don’s passing…. he was a great guy and a great neighbor and friend.
T Viets says
Some of my best memories are of road trips with my Grandfather, Don. He imbued in me a love of history and exploration. From ghost towns, to ringing rocks, to the Grand Tetons, Yellowstone, Mount Rushmore, and all the greasy spoons in-between, that legacy will live on. Rest well, grandpa.
The Proul Family says
Judy and family,
We are so very sorry to hear of Don’s passing. He was a big part of the Proul and R&R Diesel family. He will be greatly missed by all. Sending you all our thoughts and prayers. May he rest in peace.
Sandy Owens says
Judy and family so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Don was a great neighbor. He helped me out in a lot of different ways. He will always be remembered. Rest in peace Don.
Kevin Hardesty says
I always knew Don as a strong provider, a mans man. One of a few who could get his hands dirty and be gentle and kind with his family. He will be missed.
Marcee Allen says
I never knew Don shared both first AND middle names with my Dad. My Dad loved getting together with Don for coffee and a chat. My best last memory of Don was at my Dad’s 82nd birthday party. Bud Proul was there, too, and they had a great visit! Don was a sweetheart of a guy. He always had a ready smile everytime I saw him at church. I’m very thankful to have known him and cherish my memories of him.
Lee Hopkins says
So sorry about this situation. His son is a markable police officer.