Dr. Donald “Doc” Emmett Sklenar M.D., 95, Saint Joseph, Missouri, passed away July 31, 2025. He was born July 27, 1930 in Hillsboro, Kansas to Emmett and Mary (Rickley) Sklenar.
Don spoke many times and was heavily influenced by the struggles faced by his family during the Great Depression. From a young age, he felt a responsibility to provide for himself rather than adding to the financial burden of his family - which included parents, two younger sisters, and at various times those maternal aunts and uncles who came to live with them. He was a hard-worker - beginning at the age of 12 as a delivery boy for a St. Joseph pharmaceutical store, an experience that provided him with many humorous stories and life lessons. A special memory of Don’s from that time was a beer delivery he made to the local Democratic Club. As he handed the beer to the patrons at the poker table, he recognized the then U.S. Senator from Missouri, Harry S. Truman.
Don graduated from Lafayette High School in 1948, earning the “Top Science Graduate” award. To earn funds for college, Don enlisted in the U.S. Navy – serving as an Aerographer’s Mate (Weather Observation). While still a teenager, Don participated in three naval destroyer cruises. After his service, Don enrolled at Northwest Missouri State University majoring in Chemistry, with the goal of becoming a science teacher. Encouraged by his professor to become a physician, Don was accepted at the University of Missouri School of Medicine. The recipient of a scholarship provided by a local physician in support of his education, Don remained appreciative of the opportunity provided him throughout his life. These experiences led Don to assist students seeking medical degrees, endowing the ‘Donald and Maxine Sklenar Memorial Scholarship Fund’. Established in 2007, the scholarship is awarded to the top science graduate of Lafayette High School, through the Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri.
In 1959, Don graduated from the University of Missouri Columbia School of Medicine. Returning to service, he joined the Air National Guard 139th Airlift Wing in the Medical Clinic as a Medical Doctor. Don attained the rank of Colonel and the positions of Chief Flight Surgeon and Chief Medical Officer. Don led a distinguished military career spanning nearly 32 years with participation in both the Korean and Vietnam wars. His service medals include: Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award w/1 OLC, Combat Readiness Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Air Force Longevity Service Medal w/6 OLC, Armed Forces Reserve Medal w/device, and Vietnam Gallantry Cross w/ Palm.
Don was a member of the American Academy of General Practice, served on the American Board of Family Practice, and obtained certification as a Diplomate of this Board - a position he maintained through recertification until his retirement. Don pursued his profession of Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) in private practice in the south side of St. Joseph on Illinois Avenue for many years. Family observed over the years Don’s compassion for his patients who were struggling financially as he often brought home “partial payments” of whatever the patient could provide - such as garden produce or game meat. After retirement, Don often expressed missing his patients.
Don enjoyed a life of adventure traveling both through military service and personal vacations throughout the United States and around the world. World travels included all of the continents with the exception of Antarctica – his final trip to Africa occurring at the age of 85. Don was a lifelong learner - through his experiences, study of history and geography, and hobbies of stamp and coin collecting. Don belonged to the Missouri and Buchanan County Medical Societies, Moila Shriners, King Hill Masonic Lodge, St. Joseph Stamp Collector Club, Midwest Philatelic Society, and the American Philatelic Society.
Don strongly believed in the value of higher education. When asked what he wanted others to know about him, his response was that it was important to him that all people should be treated equally and encouraged to achieve what they can accomplish.
In later years, Don was a resident at the Cameron Missouri Veterans Home. He was observed to demonstrate care and concern for the other veterans who had greater physical challenges than himself. Don would comfort other veterans by holding their hand and assuring them all would be “okay”. Other times he would survey the large group setting, assess and identify veterans needing help, and then instruct his daughter on how to help that particular veteran.
The family will always be thankful to Pastor Mark and Cindy McBee for their faithful devotion to the Veterans at the Cameron Missouri Veterans Home. Donald often spoke of how much he enjoyed attending “Worship with the McBees”. God worked through their weekly ministry to reconnect Don to his childhood Christian roots as exemplified through the verse Proverbs 22:6 - "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it”.
Donald was preceded in death by his parents, second-wife Maxine Euler Riepen Sklenar (2007), sisters Norma Bryson and Joyce Robken, nephew Ronnie Gibson; many friends and classmates, uncles, aunts, and cousins. Survivors include son, Richard Sklenar; daughter Susan Williams (Craig); granddaughter Hannah Williams; nieces and a nephew.
Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, August 7th, 2025 at Heaton-Bowman-Smith-Sidenfaden Chapel at 10:00 AM, officiated by Pastor, Mark McBee. Interment to follow with military honors at Memorial Park Cemetery in St. Joseph, Missouri. Family will receive friends with a visitation being held Wednesday, August 6th from 5:00-7:00 PM at Heaton-Bowman-Smith-Sidenfaden Chapel.
In lieu of flowers/plants the family suggests memorial donations to the Cameron Missouri Veterans Home.
