Donald Ray Skubal, 66, Morland, Kansas, died May 29, 2024, at Hays Medical Center in Hays, Kansas. He was born October 8, 1957, to Robert and Wilma (Vaughn) Skubal in Oberlin, Kansas. He attended grade school through 5th grade in Oberlin and then finished school in Morland.
Donald’s junior year he submitted an essay to a contest sponsored by the Kansas REC Youth Tour, and won a six day all expense paid trip to Washington, D.C. One of the highlights of his trip was meeting Vice-President Gerald Ford, as well as senators and congressmen from various states. The winners were also given the opportunity to observe a debate and voting from the Senate Gallery. This trip spurred Don’s lifelong interest in political science and history. He enjoyed watching documentaries, especially ones with war planes. As someone who loved to fly planes, Don tried to talk his brother and sister into also learning to fly.
Don worked for Helberg Oil Company for many years. He also hauled water for his stepfather John Keith. In 1991 Don married Sherry Williams. They made their home in Morland. That year Don purchased his own water trucks, and later started his own company. Even after he became paralyzed and confined to a wheelchair in 2003, Don loved working in the shop. He was forced to change his career path but moved forward in life with extreme determination.
Like many men Don was an avid sports fan. He was a Kansas City Chiefs season ticket holder, and also loved and cheered for KU and K-State teams, and the Kansas City Royals. However, one of his favorite sports was taking Jack “wabbit” hunting. Jack was a black lab who belonged to his friend Cheri, though he often claimed Jack as his dog. For those of you who might be horrified, they never caught any “wabbits”. He also enjoyed children and constantly thought up pranks to pull on them. They often sat on his lap and helped guide his wheelchair.
Don was preceded in death by his parents Robert and Wilma Skubal; stepfather John Keith; grandparents Ladimir and Blanche (Sejkora) Skubal and Herbert and Nelda (Rhodes) Vaughn; sister Laura Keith; niece Cassidy Riggs; nephew Calvin Wayne Smith; cousins Bill McKenna and Kurt Sulzman; aunts Lillian Sulzman and Joyce Carlton; brothers-in-law: Sam, Dean, and Mark Williams and sister-in-law Janna Williams.
Survivors left to cherish his memory include his wife, Sherry; stepsons Dennis (Tammy) Mersch and Todd (Sandy) Mersch all of Hill City; granddaughters: Faith, Clair, and Kinley; special friend Crystal Lindenman (who he considered as a daughter); sister Donna (Karl) Hazen, Oberlin; brother Tom (Patti) Skubal, Gillette, Wyoming; sister Louise Keith, Hill City; brothers-in-law: Gary, Steve, and Paul Williams; sister-in-law Leann Morford, and a host of nieces and nephews whom he adored. Don showed incredible courage and determination. His family and loved ones are proud and humbled by all Don accomplished, endured, and worked to overcome throughout his life.
A “Celebration of Life” for Don will be held on Saturday, July 20, 2024, 11:00 a.m. at the Selden Community Hall, Selden, Kansas, and all family and friends are welcome to attend. Memorials in Don’s memory are suggested to the Hill City Kid’s Summer Cafe Program and may be sent in care of Stinemetz Funeral Home, 522 N. Pomeroy, Hill City, Kansas 67642.