Thomas (Tom) Skelton

Thomas (Tom) William Skelton, 85 passed away, in Centennial Colorado on Thursday, September 30th.

Tom was born on July 14th, 1936 in Goodland, Kansas where he grew up.  He attended Goodland High School (Class of 1954) having won a state championship in wrestling.  He went on to attend Kansas State University on a wrestling scholarship, graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration.  While at K-State, he met his future bride Marilyn whom he married on October 4th, 1958.  They remained together 55 years until her passing in 2013.

In 1963 Tom moved his family to Laramie Wyoming where he ran an electronics business with his brother Lewis and also served in the Wyoming National Guard.

Tom was activated for service in Vietnam in 1968 where he commanded an Army combat engineer company.  He remained on active duty another 24 years, serving in Germany, at Fort Riley Kansas, Korea, Fitzsimmons Medical Center Colorado, and in Washington, DC.  Throughout his career Tom was selected for increased leadership roles culminating in command of the U.S. Army Engineer Support Center.  While on active duty, he earned a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Boston University. He retired at the rank of Colonel in 1991.

After retirement from the U.S. Army, Tom and Marilyn purchased Ardara Ranch in Black Forest, Colorado where he raised registered Gelbvieh cattle, applying new techniques to advance the breed.  Additionally, he taught business courses at National American University in Denver.

Throughout his life Tom and his wife enjoyed gardening, travel, collecting art and antiques throughout the world.  Tom was particularly interested in vintage guns and automobiles and became skilled in the restoration of both.

Tom loved his family and nothing was more pleasing than time spent with his grandchildren with whom he instilled his passion for travel and values of attaining education and love of country.

Survivors include his children, Kerry Skelton of Washington, DC, Kimberly Miller of Centennial CO, Kevin Skelton of Castle Rock, CO, his sister Nancy Marty of Bentonville, AR and three grandchildren, Devin Miller, Kelsi Miller and Taylor Skelton.  Tom was preceded in death by his parents Glen and Faye Skelton, brothers Alan and Lewis Skelton and his wife Marilyn McNelis Skelton.  Of note, Tom is a Mayflower descendant.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are welcome to the Wounded Warriors Project - https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/donate