Donald Wayne Skeens

Don was born on February 1, 1929 to William and Hazel (Ricketts) Skeens in Paola, Kansas. He grew up in Osawatomie, Kansas with his 3 brothers and 4 sisters. At the age of 17, Don enlisted in the United States Navy, being the third of the 4 brothers to do so. He was sent to the United States Naval Training Center in San Diego, California. After completing his training he was assigned overseas aboard the U.S.S LST-865 to Japan, serving as Electricians Mate 3rd Class. Upon returning to the states, Don returned to Osawatomie and was stationed at the US Naval Air Station in Olathe, Kansas.

It was in Osawatomie that Don met his first wife, Delores Weaver, having 4 children: Donna, Jim, Bill, and Diane. Through Don's career with the Navy, the family lived in Miami, Florida; Glenview, Illinois; and New Orleans, Louisiana. After 20 years of service in the Navy, Don retired as Chief Petty Officer.

The family then moved to Kansas City, Missouri, where Don worked as an electrician for Halls on the Plaza until 1986. He then went to Custom Color Corporation, also as an electrician. Don married Mary Platt. They lived in Mission, Kansas for more than 20 years. They enjoyed traveling, especially to St. Louis, New Orleans, and Chicago. Don retired from Custom Color in 2010. This gave him and Mary more time to spend at their condo at Osage Beach in the Ozarks, their home away from home. They also loved socializing with friends at the American Legion, VFW, and Eagles club where they were members.

Don is survived by his wife Mary, children Donna, Bill, and Diane, his sister Marie Shelden, 8 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and 6 great-great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made online at www.stjo.org/flowers or by mailing to: St. Joseph's Indian School, P.O. Box 100, Camberlalin, SD 57325. Please indicate the memorial gift is in memory of

Donald Skeens.