Donald "Donnie" Schone was born March 1, 1946, in Berkley, California, the son of Robert P. "Bob" and Helen (Johnson) Schone. He grew up in the Wall-Interior area, attending grade school in Wall through the 7th grade, then Interior School, graduating from Interior High School in 1964. He then attended a semester at the University of South Dakota in Vermillion before entering the US Army. Donnie served two years in the Army and one of those years in Vietnam.
After his honorable discharge, Donnie moved to Estes Park, Colorado, and later moved to Riverton, Wyoming, where he worked in the uranium mines. Donnie later moved to Wall and Interior where he worked for the Jackson County Highway Department until his retirement in 2008.
Donnie was a member of the Disabled American Veterans and enjoyed hunting and fishing.
Survivors include a son Travis Schone of Riverton; two grandsons Shane and Spencer Schone; two brothers Dennis Schone and his wife Sharon of Rapid City, and Doug Schone and his wife Teresa of Rapid City; one sister Debbie LeTellier and her husband Lance of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; several nieces and nephews; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Donnie was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother Kent Schone.
Donnie's wishes were to have cremation take place and interment of the urn to take place in the columbarium wall at Black Hills National Cemetery. Those services will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, January 14, at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis with military honors and officiated by Dr. William "Bill" Meirose.
Guest Book
Schone Family, We are saddened to learn that Donnie has passed away. He has been a good friend for a very long time. Sending our sympathy to all of you. We will miss him. Thank you for your service Donnie.
~ Ron & Marilyn Gartner
Casa Grande AZ (1/3/2022)
I haven't been in contact with many of you for years but think of you often, nonetheless. I guess the advantage to that is I'll always remember Don as a big, strong, mischievous guy with a love for life, his unique version of a gentle giant. God bless all of you and may your sorrow be fleeting.
~ B. James
Washington (1/12/2022)
I haven't been in contact with many of you for years but think of you often, nonetheless. I guess the advantage to that is I'll always remember Don as a big, strong, mischievous guy with a love for life -- his unique version of a gentle giant. God bless all of you and may your sorrow be fleeting.
~ B. James
Washington (1/12/2022)
We were so fortunate that we were able to have Don as part of our community. Sympathies to Dennis, Doug and their families.
~ Marsha Pluth- Edgewood Assisted Living
Rapid City, SD (1/5/2022)
I haven't been in contact with many of you for years but think of you often, nonetheless. I guess the advantage to that is I'll always remember Don as a big, strong, mischievous guy with a love for life -- his unique version of a gentle giant. God bless all of you and may your sorrow be fleeting.
~ B. James
Washington (1/12/2022)
Dennie, Doug and Debbie,and family. I'm so sorry hearing about Donnie, He meant the world to me, and I'm crying my heart out cause we had lost contact with each other. so close and yet so far away. He is at peace now. Bye Bye love,
~ Marquittee A Heathershaw
1187 N BIA 1257 (1/3/2022)
I only knew Donald at the end of his life but the adventures he told me of his life were amazing.
I was his roommate the last few months of his 73 years so prayers for his family and friends.
Journey well Donald
~ Terence L. E
West Rapid City S.D. (1/4/2022)
So sorry for your loss, I have nor seen Donnie in many years but do see Dennis at our family reunions! God Bless !
~ Rosalind K Ham
Thornton, Co. (1/18/2022)
Sorry to hear of Donnie's passing. Pretty darn good athlete at Interior HS. Thanks for your military service.
~ Tim & Peggy Lester
Austin, TX (1/4/2022)
Thanks for serving
~ A Veteran
(1/7/2022)
Oh "Schone" ! We are saddened to hear of Don's passing. We always called him Schone and loved visiting with him. We always teased each other. He was a great man and we will miss him. Rest in Peace our old friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. We are very sorry for your loss.
~ Matt & Kaci Harvey
Interior, SD (1/8/2022)
Sorry for your loss. Prayers from a fellow classmate at Interior. Great memories of Donnie.
~ Lorraine Enders Lineback
Fairfield, Washington (1/4/2022)
I haven't been in contact with many of you for years but think of you often, nonetheless. I guess the advantage to that is I'll always remember Don as a big, strong, mischievous guy with a love for life, his unique version of a gentle giant. God bless all of you and may your sorrow be fleeting.
~ B. James
Washington (1/12/2022)