Don KimbleA music teacher who established one of the finest music programs – vocal or instrumental in Colorado, the late Donald L. Kimble taught music for the Badgers for 29 years after one year at Flagler.
His bands received 26 first division ratings in state large group festivals, both in performance and sight-reading.
The marching band also won state recognition in 1977 for its field performances. Don directed four different bands at Limon, the fourth-grade band, fifth-grade beginning band, the Cadet Band (6, 7 & 8 graders) and the Senior High School Band.
Don created the Cadet Band so that the community had a pep band at athletic events, because the high school kids played sports, as well as participated in the band and choir.
A former staff sergeant, he trained troops headed for Korea and the experience gave him training for his later years as a teacher.
He started the Limon Show Choir immediately upon starting teaching and developed one of the state’s top programs. They were requested statewide for many functions, inside and outside of education.
His band once performed for a big school graduation when the school did not have enough band members to accompany the event.
Don was inducted into the Colorado Music Educators Association Hall of Fame upon retirement in 2003.
He taught Music Appreciation and took his pep bands to many out-of-town athletic contests.
Don was a master at balancing the demands for his students between athletics and his music programs.
His success at balancing his programs with the likes of Warren Mitchell and Lloyd Gaskill, both dear friends, speaks to the respect he garnered.
He and his wife, Peggy remained active in Limon for 60 years, raising three sons. A gifted teacher, Don is sorely missed by his family and community.
