Donald (Don) Basko, 95, passed away peacefully in his sleep on January 26, 2026, surrounded by memories, family and people who loved him deeply.

Don enjoyed the last year and a half of his long and amazing life at his daughter's home in Rapid City, SD. There he enjoyed the adventures with grandkids and great grandkids, looking for rocks and sharing stories.

Don was the youngest of six boys born to Frank Philip and Mary Ryan Basko in Chicago, IL on March 21, 1930. Growing up Don attended Catholic schools in Chicago, graduating from high school in 1948.

Don received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Geology, from Saint Joseph’s College in Rensselaer, IN and completed his Masters Degree in Geology from the University of Wyoming in Laramie, WY in 1954.

After serving two years in the Army (1954 – 1956) during the Korean Conflict, Don went to work as a geologist for Sinclair Oil and Gas Company in Casper in 1956.

On January 3, 1958, Don married Judee M. Carter, who was a Casper native. The couple had two children, Daniel of Conroe, TX and Catherine of Rapid City, SD. Don and Judee’s union lasted almost 50 years until Judee’s passing on October 20, 2006. They traveled extensively in Europe and the United Kingdom.

On December 29, 2007, Don married longtime friend and acquaintance, Mary L. Harris. Together they enjoyed family, traveling and staying at home. Golf, fly fishing, and woodworking were just a few of Don’s many hobbies.

After four years with Sinclair, Don went to work for the Wyoming Oil and Gas Conservation Commission as a field inspector/technician in 1960. Don moved up in the agency holding various positions of increasing responsibilities, and in 1968, Governor Stan Hathaway appointed Don as the State Oil and Gas Supervisor for the Wyoming Oil and Gas Conservation Commission. A position he held until retirement in 1997, making him one of the longest-serving state oil and gas officials in the nation. In 1997, the first building designed for the oil and gas commission operations, records, and regulatory hearings was dedicated as the “Basko Building”. In 2004, a new and much larger Wyoming Oil and Gas Conservation Commission building was built and for the second time, was named the “Basko Building” in recognition and appreciation of Don’s many years of devoted service to the people of the State of Wyoming and to the oil and gas industry. His leadership, integrity, and professionalism greatly enhanced the orderly development and conservation of Wyoming’s mineral resources. After retiring, Governor Freudenthal appointed Don to be one of the five oil and gas commissioners that oversaw hearings and various oil and gas regulatory matters. In total, Don led and was associated with the Wyoming Oil and Gas Conservation Commission for 48 years.

Don was Eucharistic minister for years and a long-time volunteer, supporter, and Director of Holy Cross Food Bank. He was also on the boards of Senior Wildcatters Golf Tournament, Saint Anthony’s financial committee, Tri Parish School Foundation, Seton House, and the American National Bank.

Don started and facilitated the Wyoming Natural Gas Fair in 1997, for 19 years. The annual multi-day event was a premier educational platform for industry leadership, producers, pipelines, and state officials to discuss regulatory changes, economics, and technological solutions for the natural gas sector. It was held predominantly in Jackson Hole and promoted more Wyoming natural gas production and transmission to other states and markets. The attendance reached as many as one thousand registered attendees. As a result of these efforts, several new pipelines were built. (Kern River Expansion, Ruby, Rockies Express and others).

Don was also an original member of the Wyoming Natural Gas Pipeline Authority, promoting pipeline expansion and the transportation of Wyoming’s natural gas to new markets. Don was a member of the American Institute of Professional Geologists and a certified geologist by the State of Wyoming. He was a member of the Casper Petroleum Club and was honored as the “Mineral Man of the year”. He was also a member of the Wyoming Geological Association for more than 60 years.

Don was preceded in death by his parents Frank and Mary, his five brothers, Frank Jr., James, John, William, and Thomas.

He is survived by his children, his four grandchildren, Andrew S. Harris (Steph) of Rapid City, SD, Anthony D. Harris (Whitney) of Rapid City, SD, Emily Harris (Ben) of Rapid City, SD, and Manessha Hale (Vance) of TX.; three great grandchildren, Canaan, Lily, and Zoey; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Casper, WY on March 21, 2026 at 11:00am MT at St. Patrick’s Church.

Memorials would be appreciated to True Care of Casper, Holy Cross Food Bank or the charity of your choice.

Interment will be in Highland Cemetery at a later date.