Donald McColley

Donald Keith McColley passed away on Good Friday, April 18, 2025 at Weston County Manor in Newcastle, Wyoming. He was born February 23, 1928, in Edgemont, South Dakota to George Rollin and Mildred Lucy (Parker) McColley. At the age of two, his family moved to Chamberlain, SD where Don attended school graduating in 1946. As a high school sophomore he began working for his father at the McColley Funeral Home in Chamberlain. He attended the University of South Dakota in Vermillion, SD and then transferred to the University of Mortuary Science in Kansas City, Kansas where he graduated in 1948. Don married Jean Alma Young in 1947. Following graduation, they returned to Chamberlain where Don joined his father in the funeral business. In 1951 Don and Jean moved with their young family to Newcastle, WY when they purchased the funeral home from Noah and Velda Mumper.

Don was a tireless worker, both for his family and for his community. In 1955 Don and Jean built a new funeral home at 111 Railway Avenue where they continued in business as McColley Funeral Home and Ambulance Service for forty years until they sold it in 1991 to Mike and Sandy Worden. During his early years in Newcastle Don also worked part time at Ward Lumber Company, Red Owl Grocery Store, Newcastle Mercantile, and the Standard Station. Don was also a skilled carpet layer, a craft he learned from his father. He was a 73-year member of the First United Methodist Church where he held several positions on the administrative council as well as volunteering with hammer and knee pad whenever needed. Don joined Lions Club in 1951, where he held various offices. He was active in Masonic organizations: 32nd degree Master mason, Worshipful Master, Worthy Patron of Eastern Star, and Associate Guardian of Job’s Daughters. Don also served on the Masonic Temple Board and was the volunteer building manager for many years following Mr. Waddel’s retirement. He also served two terms as Newcastle Mayor from 1965 to 1973.

Upon retirement Don and friends Dale Newlin and Bill Taylor formed the “Over the Hill Gang” to use their carpentry skills to benefit friends and family. He also enjoyed his coffee club known as “The Retired Astronauts” that met every morning at the Four-Way Stop. Don enjoyed golf, gardening, fishing and pool. In later years he could be seen on morning walks with his dog, Buttons. In 2007 Don and Jean moved to West Hills Retirement Community in Rapid City, South Dakota. Following Jean’s death in 2014 Don moved back to Newcastle, where he lived until his death.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, his life Jean, grandson Beau Bradford, and sisters Beverly (McColley) Adamson and Frances Kay (McColley) Nedved. He is survived by four children and their spouses: Rick McColley (Ann) Newcastle, Cathleen Aldrich (Daniel) Sheridan, Pamela Pzinski (Charles) Four Corners, and Debra Piana (Paul) Newcastle. He is also survived by seven grandchildren: Joseph McColley (Laura), Molly McColley, Erin Haynes (Scott), Christopher Pzinski (Lisa), Matthew Pzinski (Erin), Lacey Rosenau, Donald Cochran (Brittney), and eighteen great-grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren.

Services will be held Thursday, April 24 at 2:00 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Newcastle. Interment will follow at Greenwood Cemetery in Newcastle. A reception in the church fellowship hall will follow. Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church or Weston County Humane Society.

Condolences may be sent to the family in care of Meridian Mortuary, 111 S. Railway Ave., Newcastle, WY, 82701 or expressions of sympathy may also be made online at meridianmortuary.com.