Donald "Dan" Kenneth McKillop

Donald "Dan" McKillop age 90, of Gillette, WY passed away at his home in Gillette on Friday, March 6, 2026. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, March 12, 2026, at St. Matthew's Catholic Church with Father Steven Titus officiating; interment to follow at Mt. Pisgah Cemetery. Visitation will take place from 5:00 p.m.- 7:00 p.m., with Prayer Vigil to begin at 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at Walker Funeral Home.

Dan was born on January 18, 1936, in Artesian, South Dakota to Kenneth M. McKillop and Luella M (Rubendall) McKillop joining his sister, Elizabeth Ann McKillop. Dan grew up in Artesian stealing green apples from his cousins Jerry and Bill Rubendall’s family tree. He may also have been involved in other mischievous activities occurring on the streets and alleys back then, including possibly running over cousin, Jerry on his bicycle with a pickup. To this day they still blame each other. Always the charmer in school, Dan was able to convince some staff to write in passing grades without doing a lot of his schoolwork and went on to graduate from Artesian High School.

On June 24, 1954, Dan was united in marriage to Carol Joyce Tilbury. Six children were born to this union: Mary, Donald Jr., Joyce, Mark, Todd and Paul. Dan and Carol owned and worked a farm west of Artesian until Dan’s hay fever forced him to find a new way of life. He and Carol then relocated the family to Mitchell where he began his long career in construction including purchasing shares in Dakota Redi Mix. During the slow times of 1980, Dan and his partner were able to contract work in Gillette, Wyoming. He fell in love with the Cowboy State and relocated family and businesses there permanently. Shortly thereafter, he bought out his partner and continued on. To this day, Dakota Redi Mix, known as “DRM”, is a premier contracting firm working all over Wyoming and Western South Dakota. His legacy will live on through the next generations and the many long-time employees who he also considered as family.

Family was one of Dan’s greatest joys. He and Carol worked hard but also knew how to play, which they illustrated to their children. Throughout the years, they enjoyed numerous camping, boating, snowmobile trips and other adventures with family and friends. This has also been a quality passed down through the four generations that have followed.

Survivors include his loving wife of 71 years, Carol, daughters; Mary Ackman of Mitchell SD, Joyce Johnson of Pine Haven, sons; Don (Sue) McKillop, Mark (Sandra) McKillop, both of Gillette, Todd (Tami) McKillop of Sturgis, SD and Paul (Mary) McKillop of Temecula, CA. 17 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren and 7 great-great-grandchildren and all his special caregivers that took such great care of him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Elizabeth and brother-in-law, Pete Rabenburg, son-in-laws Bob Ackman and Jeff Johnson, great-grandson, Zion McKillop and many special furry friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Dan’s honor to Rest Easy My Friend Canine Rescue and Sanctuary at 41 N Sage Hill Rd Gillette, WY 82718. Memorials and condolences may also be sent in care of Gillette Memorial Chapel 210 West 5th Street, Gillette, WY 82716. Condolences may also be expressed at www.gillettememorialchapel.com

Your work is done here Dad, Fly high.