Gordon Donovan Skauge

Gordon “Pat” Donovan Skauge, 81, of McKinney, Texas, passed away on the morning of December 22nd, 2024. Pat died peacefully, surrounded by his children, grandchildren, and great granddaughter, who were able to spend time with him in his final days. 

Pat was born on March 17th, 1943 in Yellowstone, Montana to Harold and Iva Skauge. He proudly grew up in Red Lodge, Montana, with his sister, Betty Ann, where he graduated high school.

Pat joined the Navy at age 17 and became a Russian/Arabic linguist. He had a gift for language, learning many different languages throughout his years of service. 

In 1966, Pat married Suzanne Powell and together had three children. During his time in the Navy, Pat and his family were stationed in: Turkey, Spain, Texas, Bahrain, Greece, and California. Pat retired from the Navy in 1986 after 24 years of service with the rank of Senior Chief. Following his time in the Navy, Pat and his family moved to Commerce, Texas.

In 2007, Pat married Janet Pinney Williams. During their time together, they were involved in the Commerce community, churches and the Northeast Texas Children’s museum.

Pat followed in the footsteps of his father, Harold, and his grandfather, Halvor, joining the Freemasons of Commerce in 1999. Their lodge is where he, along with family and friends, celebrated his 80th birthday. 

In early 2024, he moved to McKinney to be closer to family where he was active in the Methodist services at the retirement community.

Pat had many hobbies. He was an avid gardener, researched genealogy, loved going on walks, and enjoyed feeding the birds. He was a huge Ford Mustang enthusiast and enjoyed working on cars.

He loved making popcorn on the stove. He is famously quoted for saying it was the best food as a cure-all for all that ails you and that it is a food group in the food pyramid. 

Pat enjoyed Looney Tunes cartoons which he loved to watch with his grandchildren. He was funny and witty, and had some of the most interesting and entertaining stories. Pat loved spending time with his family and adored his eight grandchildren. He was their fiercest protector. 

In the last months of his life, his greatest joy was being a great grandfather to his great granddaughter.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Iva Skauge; his wife, Janet Skauge; and his granddaughter, Samantha Bass. Pat is survived by his sister, Betty Ann (Bob) Whittington; by his children, Sheryl (Tracy) Bass; Timothy (Leva) Skauge; Michelle (Chris Bramhall) Morris; by his grandchildren, Joseph “Clay” (Sherry) Bass; Wyatt (Emily) Bass; Elizabeth (Wyatt) Braden; Michael Morris; Ella Skauge; Alexa Skauge; Luke Skauge; Odin Skauge; by his great grandchildren, Jace Bass; Luke Bass; Emma Braden. He is also survived by his step-daughters Leah (Mike) Gardner, Becky (Charles) Crawford and Alice (Joe) Ellenburg.

A memorial is being held for him on Saturday, January 11th, 2025 at 2pm at First United Methodist Church, 1709 State Hwy 50, Commerce, Texas 75428.

Following the memorial, help us raise a glass to celebrate the life of Pat with any and all stories or adventures you’d care to share at Commerce Funeral Home, 1505 Washington Street, Commerce, Texas.