Donald Lee Chilcoat

Dr. Donald Lee Chilcoat, a long-time resident of Colorado, passed away at his home on March 10, 2023 at the age of 87. Dr. Chilcoat was born in Norfolk, Nebraska on November 24, 1935 to George and Lena Reil Chilcoat and was their only child.

Don spent his youth working on the family farm alongside his father in Pilger, Nebraska until he graduated Stanton High School in 1959. During those years Don developed his music talents of both instruments and singing. He played the piano and trombone and was asked to sing at social events. Upon graduation, Don attended the University of Nebraska for one year. At the end of that year, Don joined the Army and spent two years serving our country.

After his military service, Don attended Nebraska University and received his BS degree in 1959 and his Masters in 1961. Don then attended the Nebraska University School of Medicine and graduated with a Degree of Medicine in 1965. Don completed his residency in Omaha and in 1971 and then made the move to Colorado. He went on to become a highly respected Gastroenterologist and practiced for nearly four decades.

Don had a love of everything Nebraska and was an avid “Huskers” fan. He made countless trips back to Nebraska to visit the family farm and visiting those that he had a long relationship with. Don’s knowledge of the history of Stanton County and the families that homesteaded, made for amazing stories of his family, work on the farm and others and what they endured to establish a life for themselves as farmers.

Don had a passion for travelling and visited much of the US and many parts of Europe. He and Kay especially loved to take their trips to Germany to enjoy the culture, food, site seeing and speaking the German language.

Don was also known as an intellect and had great knowledge around many subjects, especially cars. He seemed to know something about every model and make and could tell you the pros and cons for each one if you were in looking to buy one.

Don was a very generous and loving soul, and his family will miss him very much and always hold his memories close to their heart. Don loved his dogs starting with Skippy, Charlie the German Shepherd, his schnauzers Jake, Holly, Hannah and terrier mix Barkley.

Don is preceded in death by his parents, his oldest son David Lee Chilcoat and his wife Kay Chilcoat. He is survived by his youngest son Deryle James Chilcoat, stepchildren Mike Blodgett, Greg (Lori) Blodgett and Pat Blodgett, Melissa (Mike) Bates and grandchildren Mitchell Bates, Sarah Bates and Ryan Bates and Amber Blodgett and Amanda Blodgett.

The family is very thankful to all of Don’s neighbor friends who have visited with Don, walked Barkley, shoveled the snow, brought him food, and for being good friends to Don over the years.

The family will be holding a private memorial service for Don.

In Lieu of flowers please consider donating to the Colorado Mini Schnauzer Rescue at cominischnauzerrescue.com

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.olingerchapelhill.com for the Chilcoat family.