Donald E. Skahan, 80, of Overland Park, died July 16, 2023, surrounded by his family. Born May 24, 1943, in Columbus, Don was the eldest son of Don and Darlene (Smith) Skahan. They preceded him in death. Don was also preceded in death by his sister Mary (Skahan) Radom and nephew Skip Skahan.
Don was a graduate of Cherokee County Rural High School with the class of 1961. After graduating from Pittsburg State University with a degree in economics he relocated to the Kansas City area, where he met his beloved wife of 51 years, Eva (Reichert) Skahan and was a loving father to three children.
Don had a strong work ethic and worked thru high school at his father’s pool hall. During College after classes, he would drive from Pittsburgh to Parsons, where he worked at the Census Bureau. His boss always told him that when he got his work completed, he could go to the back room to get his studies done. Don dedicated 25 years of his professional life to Yellow Freight before venturing into entrepreneurship with his own logistics business.
In his younger years, Don was an avid athlete, playing baseball, football, tennis and golf; which he continued to enjoy late into his retirement. Don was in the ROTC and served in the Army Reserves. He liked working with his hands and was a highly skilled woodworker and talented artist.
Colorado held a special place in Don’s heart, the wonderful memories made, on countless family vacations to the Porter family cabin, were amplified by his love and appreciation of its majestic mountains and natural beauty.
Don’s greatest joy in life came from the love of his grandchildren. His five beloved grandsons and one adorable and long awaited granddaughter meant the world to him. He had a special bond with each of them and cherished every moment he spent watching them grow.
Don is survived by his wife Eva, and the legacy he leaves through his children: daughter Krista (Skahan) Clark (David), son Bobby Skahan (Kathy) and daughter Beth (Skahan) Saadah (Farris). His memory lives on through his grandchildren Joshua Clark, Thomas Clark, Jack Skahan, Elle Skahan, Cooper Saadah and Camden Saadah. Don is also survived by his brother Robert Skahan (Patty), sister Marcia (Skahan) Patzkowsky (Gary), as well as numerous cousins, nephews, and nieces.
A visitation will be held Saturday July 22 at 9 a.m. The Funeral Mass will follow at 10 a.m. in the Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 11300 W. 103rd St. in Overland Park. Burial will follow at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery, in Lenexa.
To honor Don’s memory, donations can be made to the American Heart Association or St. Jude.