Donald Lee Skinner

Donald Lee Skinner, 90, died February 26, 2016 at Presbyterian Manor of the Plains, Dodge City. He was born on September 8, 1925 in Stevens County, the son of Troy Tony and Hazel Mae (Hageman) Skinner.

Don attended elementary school at Center Valley Country School in Stevens County. At the age of 15, he moved to Rose Hill with his family. He graduated from Rose Hill High School in May of 1943. Don proudly served his country during World War II. He was deployed to Germany on December 24, 1944 and was in the Battle of the Bulge, Rhineland, and Central Europe. Don earned several honors while serving overseas including three bronze stars. He was honorably discharged on May 7, 1946. 

After his discharge, Don enrolled at Wichita State University. He soon realized that his heart was in farming and he moved to Seward County and began his farming career. On June 9, 1951, he married Shirley Shannon in Clayton, New Mexico. They celebrated 50 years of marriage before Shirley’s death on October 25, 2001. They moved to a farm near Montezuma on March 31, 1956 and had a very successful farming and ranching operation. Don and Shirley moved to Dodge City in April of 1977.

He was a member of the Ensign Lodge 413, Midian Shrine, Scottish Rite Bodies, and the Gold Book Society. Don served on the board of directors for the Federal Land Bank and was an active supporter of the Community Foundation of Southwest Kansas, Youthville, and Dodge City Community College.

Don is survived by two sons, Larry Skinner (Shirley) of Cimarron and Greg Skinner (Linda) of Flagstaff , Arizona; one sister, Betty Lou Peck (Merle) of Phoenix, Arizona; four grandchildren, Chalene Base (Kraig) of Baldwin City, Jason Skinner of Providence, Rhode Island, Terena Skinner of Anthony, and Mitch Skinner (Che’lee) of Cornville, Arizona; and six great grandchildren, Amber, Emery, Easton, Daelen, Marlee, and Kinsee. He is preceded in death by his wife Shirley and two brothers, Arthur Kay and Merle L. Skinner.

Funeral service will be held at Swaim Funeral Home, Dodge City on Thursday, March 3, 2016 at 10:00 AM with Mr. Jeff Hiers presiding. Burial will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery in Dodge City with military rites by Howard Gotschall Post #1714 and KSARNG Military Honors. Visitation will be at Swaim Funeral Home on Wednesday, March 2, 2016 from noon to 8:00 PM. Memorials are suggested to the Shriner’s Hospital in care of the funeral home. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.