Thomas L. Skidgel, 78, of Rawlins, Wyoming, passed away peacefully on March 5, 2026, in Rawlins, Wyoming, surrounded by his loving family.

Tom was born May 29, 1947, in Rawlins, Wyoming, to Thomas A. Skidgel and Sara Ann Woods Skidgel. Shortly after his birth, the family moved to Sacramento, California, where he lived until 1960, when they returned to Rawlins. Tom graduated from Rawlins High School in 1965.

On January 31, 1966, Tom married his high school sweetheart, Barbara Williams. Together they shared 60 wonderful years of marriage and built a life centered around love, family, and hard work. They welcomed two children, Sabrina and Thomas.

In 1966, Tom and Barbara moved to Bairoil, Wyoming, where he began working for Sinclair, starting a long career in the oil industry. That same year, he began serving in the Wyoming National Guard, where he proudly served until 1973.

While working full time, Tom also spent many years contract pumping on the side and eventually started Skidgel Enterprises. Over the years he employed many people and took great pride in taking care of those who worked for him, even paying for employees’ schooling so they could better themselves.

During his time in Bairoil, Tom developed a deep love for the outdoors and especially enjoyed hunting on Ferris Mountain. He often said people could have the big bull elk, because in his mind there was nothing more beautiful or majestic than a great big mule deer.

In 1998, Tom began working in Wamsutter, Wyoming, for BP through Skidgel Enterprises. That same year, he and Barbara moved back to Rawlins to be closer to their children and grandchildren.

Tom loved his family deeply, and there was nothing he would not do for them. He was known for his generosity and kind heart and would often help anyone in need – sometimes even giving a stranger the shirt off his back.

Tom also had an incredible sense of humor and a contagious smile. Anyone who knew him would tell you his sense of humor was second to none. He loved making people laugh and had a way of lighting up any room he walked into.

One of Tom’s greatest passions was his classic car collection. His love for cars ran deep, almost an obsession. Tom and Barbara spent many years traveling to car shows together, proudly showing their cars and winning many awards and trophies. Tom often said that whenever he got behind the wheel of one of his old cars, he felt like he was 16 years old again.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas A. Skidgel and Sara Ann Woods Skidgel, and his sisters, Janice Mosley and Phyllis Ellis.

He is survived by his loving wife, Barbara Skidgel of Rawlins; daughter Sabrina (Ron) Trevathan; son Thomas (Jennifer) Skidgel; grandchildren Aubree (Emmett) Vallot, Aivree (Trenton) Jeannerett, Allie Skidgel, Evann Trevathan (Jez), Aspen Trevathan; great-grandchildren Jaxson, Keaton, Everett, Korra, and Elsie; half-brother Terry Skidgel, and half-sister Leesa Skidgel

At Tom’s request, no services will be held.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Tom’s name to the Rawlins Animal Shelter or Pet Partners of Carbon County.

Tom’s humor, generosity, and love for family will be remembered always.