Earl Skinner

JACKSON - Earl Ray Skinner, 80, died at 5:13 p.m. Dec. 20, 2004, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau.

Born Sept. 12, 1924, in Avert, son of the late Harry Strawn and Bertha Fredericka Clingingsmith Skinner, he was a farmer in the Oak Ridge area before moving to Jackson in 1956, when he entered the plumbing business. He was a plumber with the Plumbers and Pipefitters Local Union 562 of St. Louis. A member of the New McKendree United Methodist Church, he served with the U.S. Army in New Guinea during World War II.

On Dec. 3, 1946, he married Veda Jewell Brotherton who preceded him in death on June 16, 2000.

Survivors include: one son, Rick Skinner of Jackson; one daughter, Sharon Powers of Sikeston; two brothers, Joe Skinner of Mesa, Ariz., and Warren Skinner of Jackson; one sister, Mary Walters of Louisville, Ky.; and 3 grandchildren, two stepgrandchildren and two great-grandsons.

Also preceding him in death were four brothers, Troy Skinner, George Skinner, Harry L. Skinner and Jim Skinner; and two sisters, Cleotha LeClure and Daisy Niswonger.

Visitation is from 4 to 8 p.m. today at Cracraft-Miller Funeral Home in Jackson, where services are scheduled for 11 a.m. Thursday. The Rev. John Rice will officiate.

Burial will follow in Russell Heights Cemetery in Jackson.