Apr 4, 1932 - Aug 5, 2024April 4, 1932 - August 5, 2024
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Geyser, MT
Bozeman
playing cards, horses, reading books, travel, food, and wine
Twin, after high school graduation, he attended college at Montana Tech for one year before volunteering for the draft. He served one tour during the Korean conflict. After he was discharged from the Army, he returned to college at MSU earning a BA in education and MA in administration. Don was happily married to Mary Margaret Bolink until her death in 2005. During his early college years, Don drove from Bozeman to Butte and worked an eight-hour shift underground in the mines while Mary handled all four kids. He was hired as a teacher for the Manhattan School District upon graduating from college He served for 30 years as a science teacher, basketball coach, and eventually as the high school principal. . Eventually, Don and Mary moved between Manhattan and Belgrade, the family called it the “country club.” On this mini-ranch he raised horses that he used for yearly camping pack trips into the mountains; he especially loved the Bob Marshall Wilderness. He enjoyed the adventure of horse racing with his good friend and traveled in the western U.S. to various races.
family
Donald Vann Skelton, beloved husband, father, and educator, passed away on August 5, 2024, at the age of 92. He was born on April 4, 1932, in Geyser, MT, and had most recently resided in Bozeman.
Donald had a passion for life and a wide range of hobbies. He enjoyed playing cards, working with horses, reading books, traveling, and indulging in good food and wine. These activities brought him great joy throughout his life.
One interesting fact about Donald was that he was a twin. After graduating from high school, he attended Montana Tech for one year before courageously volunteering for the draft. Serving one tour during the Korean conflict, he demonstrated his unwavering commitment to his country. Following his discharge from the Army, Donald returned to college at Montana State University, where he earned a BA in education and an MA in administration.
Donald was happily married to Mary Margaret Bolink until her passing in 2005. During their early college years, he would drive from Bozeman to Butte, working an eight-hour shift underground in the mines while Mary took care of their four children. After graduating from college, Donald was hired as a teacher for the Manhattan School District. He served for three decades as a dedicated science teacher, basketball coach, and eventually as the high school principal.
Donald and Mary eventually settled between Manhattan and Belgrade, affectionately calling it their "country club." They created a mini-ranch where Donald raised horses for their yearly camping pack trips into the mountains, particularly the beloved Bob Marshall Wilderness. He found great adventure and excitement in horse racing alongside his dear friend, and they traveled across the western United States to various races.
Above all else, Donald cherished his family. Whether it was spending quality time with his children, grandchildren, or extended family, he found immense happiness in their presence.
Donald Vann Skelton leaves behind a legacy of dedication, love, and a life well-lived. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
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Geyser, MT
Bozeman