Donald L. "Skilly" Skillicorn

– Donald L. "Skilly" Skillicorn, 94, of Skilliville, passed away Jan. 25, 2014, of natural causes in Missoula. He was born April 19, 1919, in Ovando to Robert and Myrtle Skillicorn.

Skilly began work for the ACM logging camps in the Blackfoot Valley at the young age of 12 peeling potatoes. He then worked at the Anaconda Co. as a "Bull of the Woods," continuing his logging career in the Blackfoot Valley. Skilly retired in 1982 from Champion Timberlands, where he worked as the superintendent of the Twin Creeks operation.

Skilly was an active member of the VFW (Post 7992). He crafted in his woodshop the name plaques that represent veterans in the memorial in Seeley Lake. He was very proud of his work and his military service. Skilly served his country by joining the Army from 1941 until his honorable discharge in 1945.

On March 2, 1945, he married Jeanne E. Maloney in Belton, Texas. They were married for 62 years. The couple made their home in Skilliville. Skilly loved living on the mountain and the lifestyle it brought. This is evidenced by his quote, "I just can't stand to live in a place where you can hold your hand out the window and shake hands with your neighbor."

Skilly and his wife performed in their band named Skilly's Yellowjackets and played in all the area taverns. Skilly played the bass and drums.

Survivors include his daughter, Dawn (Jerry) Schreiber; daughter-in-law, Doris Jeanne Skillicorn; grandchildren, Tim (Beth) Schreiber, Tammy Schreiber, Triston (Nichole) Schreiber, Russell (Traci) Schreiber, Mike (Julie) Skillicorn, Debbie (James) Stone, Don (Karla) Skillicorn and Rob (Jenny) Skillicorn; great-grandchildren, Ben, Garrett, Baynne, Avynn, Makayla, Devin, Steven (Jaimi), Breanna, Rachel, Megan, Bridger, Madison, Isaac, Brody, Manx and Marshall; and great-great grandchildren, Harper and Quinn.

He was preceded in death by wife, Jeanne E. Skillicorn; son, Manx Skillicorn; and siblings, Warren, Nellie, Manx, Doug, Dolly and Mona.

A memorial will be held in the spring in Seeley Lake. Details will follow.

Condolences and memories may be left for the family at missoulafuneralhomes.com. Cremation was under the care of Garden City Funeral Home & Crematory.
Read Donald Skillicorn's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.