Donald Skiles

Donald Noel Skiles, 69, of Denver passed away on June 19, 2002. He was born on December 25, 1932 in Fort Morgan, Colorado the son of Carl Jackson Skiles and Mary Belle Skiles (Canatsey). Beloved husband of Dee Noel, beloved step-father, mentor and grandfather of Dina and Tom Genella and son Tony, Gary and Kim Smith and daughter Raegan, Tracy and Hallie Smith and daughter Corinne and Darla and Brian Leffel and daughters Brittany and Bayley. He worked as an Engineer and was an Opera Singer and Entertainer. As a young tenor, Donn entertained with Kate Smith and Jerry Cologna during war bond drives. He sang at the first "Sun Rise Service" at Red Rocks and several operas with the Denver Post Light Opera Series. He also worked with Mae West at the Central City Opera. Mr Noel, as he was known professionally, graduated from College High in Greeley, CO; received his Bachelors degrees in English and Engineering at Akron University and Kent State University, Ohio. His Masters degree was from University of California, Los Angeles. Before college he served as a Medic on the USS Haven for the Navy-Marines during the Korean War. His engineering career took Mr. Noel all over the world with the Atomic Energy Comm.(AEC), and during that time he continued his singing when in California with the West Coast Opera for over 25 years. After he returned to Colorado to retire, he met and married Dee Smith in 1986. Mr. Noel entertained at nursing homes and retirement centers until just a few years ago. He and his wife worked together in business and property management for these past 15 years.
Graveside services will be held Monday, June 24, 2002 at 11:00 AM at Fort Logan National Cemetery, staging area "B".
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Denver Chapter of the American Cancer Society, or the Lupus Foundation of Denver.