Obit-Miskimins-06-09-16John Keith Miskimins, 68, moved on to “that big golf course above” Saturday, May 28, 2016 at home in Mesquite, NV, surrounded by his family.

He was born in Torrington, WY September 3, 1947 to Robert Andrew and Chattie Mildred (Sweaney) Miskimins. He married Karen Maria (Marchi) Miskimins on August 12, 1989 in Cheyenne, WY.

Most of John’s childhood years were spent on various ranches in Eastern Wyoming, from LaGrange to Casper to Torrington. He graduated from Torrington High School. In January of 1968, John joined the Army. He did an extended stay in Vietnam with 101st and was honorably discharged in August, 1969, after being awarded the following medals and citations: National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Bronze Star Medal and Meritorious Unit Citation. Upon returning home, he dabbled with many occupations, settling on the oil industry until 1986. As the price of oil dove down, he began his career in the automotive industry.

John finished his working years as the dealer of John Miskimins Motors in Chadron, NE. While owning the store, he was always known to support and donate to almost anyone who came in and needed help. He was especially proud of his years in the “Tower” above the car lot, and staying there until pickups were filled with toys and food for the local children. This was the beginning of “Caring Sharing Christmas.” While the dealer, John was awarded “Employer of the Year” by the Chamber of Commerce and the state of Nebraska small business center awarded him “Champion of Small Business” for the state. He so believed in giving back to the community that supported him for so many years.

Upon retiring to Mesquite, his days were occupied with golf and poker. John, his brothers and local friends managed to get in about 3 rounds a week, while he tried to get in at least two days of poker with the club. He also enjoyed the last couple of years taking the grandchildren on a trip someplace different every summer.

John is survived by his wife, Karen Miskimins, children Matthew Miskimins, Denver, CO, Cody and Flossie Erben, Eagle, ID, and Lauren Erben, Broken Arrow, OK. He is also survived by the loves of his life, his grandchildren, Tristan and Kylee Miskimins, Casper, WY, Jonathan Miskimins, Casper, WY, Trinity Miskimins, Casper, WY, Tyler Erben, Eagle, ID, and Nora Erben, Eagle, ID. He is also survived by his father-in-law, Lucien Marchi, Schaumburg, IL. Most of all, he will be missed by his siblings, Richard Miskimins, Overland Park, KS, Wilson and Virginia Miskimins, Torrington, WY, Phyllis Black, Torrington, WY, Kathleen Gregory, Ft Calhoun, NE, Larry and Beverly Miskimins, Torrington, WY, Lois Patterson, Torrington, WT, Patricia Jean and Gary Dalton, Torrington, WY, Melvin Miskimins, Glenrock, WY, Thomas and Raeann Miskimins, Casper, WY, and Dale and Ellen Marchi, Algonquin, IL. There are also 39 nieces and nephews, and more than we can count great and great-great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Chattie Miskimins as well a brother-in-law, Richard Patterson and sister-in-law, Gwen Miskimins.

John was cremated. There will be a Memorial Service in Torrington, WY on June 25, 2016 at the VFW at 2:00 pm. Condolences can be sent to Karen at 1060 Back Country Trail, Mesquite, NV, 89034. Donations may be made to Salvation Army, Chadron Volunteer Fire and Rescue, or St. Jude’s Hospital in lieu of flowers. Family and friends are invited to leave a message or memory on John’s Guest Book at www.virginvalleymortuary.com.