Darrell Wayne Skidgel

Darrell Wayne Skidgel, 77, of Pawnee, Oklahoma, passed away on July 26, 2025 at his home surrounded by his family. He was born on August 17, 1947 in Pawnee, Oklahoma to Nelson Walter Skidgel, Jr and Lois Garner Skidgel. He was a devoted husband to Janice McCray Skidgel, and a loving father to Dwayne, Ginger, Lorie, and Brian.

Darrell was a graduate of Pawnee High School in 1965. After high school he went on to attend Oklahoma State University, where he earned a double major in Animal Nutrition and Agricultural Education in 9 semesters. While attending OSU, he married Janice D. McCray on July 28, 1967, at the Blackburn Baptist Church. He was a member of the Pawnee First Baptist Church.

Upon graduation from OSU, Darrell took a position as a Sales Representative for Purina Mills. It wasn’t long after that, Darrell and Janice returned home to the family farm south of Pawnee. In 1977 Stockman’s Mill & Grain was formed. Darrell found great satisfaction in using his knowledge of animal nutrition and general farming practices to help area producers. 48 years later that legacy lives on. He loved production agriculture, and he loved to work which we believe was his life’s hobby.

Darrell believed in serving his community. He served as President of the Pawnee County Cattleman’s Association, 20 years on the Pawnee Public School Board, as well as over 40 years on the Pawnee County Spring Livestock Board. He was committed to the future of agriculture for Pawnee County. His biggest commitment was to the youth of the 4-H and FFA programs. Darrell was proud knowing he mentored many into pursuing a higher education throughout the years. He had the opportunity to employ many youth in the community, including all of his children and many of his grandchildren.

Darrell and Janice started in the sheep business in the fall of 1990. Over the years with hard work and knowledge of animal nutrition, Skidgel Club Lambs grew to become a successful business, producing champions in local, county, state, and national livestock show throughout the country. He considered Skidgel Club Lambs one of his greatest achievements.

Darrell is survived by the love of his life for the past 58 years, Janice D. Skidgel, of the home; and his four children, Dwayne Skidgel and wife Lori of Pawnee, OK, Ginger Klaassen and husband Chris of Hydro, OK, Lorie Benes and husband Travis of Glencoe, Ok, Brian Skidgel and wife Kaileen of Pawnee, OK. He has been blessed to have 11 grandchildren; Chelsea Kendle and husband Daniel, Macey Moore and husband Patton, Hayden Skidgel, Conner Skidgel, (Dwayne and Lori), Raegan Klaassen and Ryder Klaassen (Ginger and Chris), Chace Benes and wife Courtney, McKenzie Benes (Lorie and Travis), Blake Skidgel, Brooklyn Skidgel, Bryce Skidgel (Brian and Kaileen) and four precious great grandchildren; Miles, Quinn, and Blythe Kendle, and Parker Moore. Also, survived by his brother Jerry Skidgel and wife Jan, one uncle, Melvin Garner and wife Sharon, and aunt Mary Garner, several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Nelson W. (Jr) and Lois Skidgel, one niece Kaelyn Skidgel, and numerous aunts and uncles.