Memorials › Joe Ray Skelton
Joe Ray Skelton
5 Aug 1921 – 26 Mar 2005
| Birth | 5 Aug 1921 |
| Death | 26 Mar 2005 |
| Cemetery | King Cemetery King , Coryell County , Texas , USA |
| Added by | Thomas "Tom" Stanley, Jr. on 18 Oct 2022 |
| FaG | https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/74817443 |
Bio
An Obituary from "Gatesville Messenger & Star Forum," Wednesday, April 6, 2005: Joe Ray Skelton, 83, of Gatesville, passed away surrounded by loved ones on Saturday evening, March 26, 2005, in Temple, Texas. He is survived by his loving daughters, JoLynn and her husband Ronnie Brown of Austin and Heidi Skelton of Pflugerville; devoted step-children, Annette Cole of Longview, Bob Thomas of Waco, Jim Thomas and wife Jan of Austin and Tim Thomas of McGregor. "Papa Joe" also leaves behind four grandchildren, seven step-grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren, who will miss him very much. He is also survived by his sister, Margaret "Sis" Alsup of Corpus Christi; and a brother, Howard Skelton of Tyler; plus many nieces and nephews. Joe was preceded in death by his first wife, Mildred Ruth Moore Skelton; and his second wife, Billie Jean Basham Thomas Skelton. He always felt he was a fortunate man to have had two such wonderful women to share his life. Joe was born in Groom, Texas, on August 5, 1921, to Clarence Edgar Skelton and Avis Ione Bowmer. They moved to Temple, Texas, where he graduated from high school. He attended both North Texas State in Denton and Texas Tech University in Lubbock. In January of 1943, he joined the United States Navy and was stationed in Pensacola, Florida, where he trained as a Navy pilot. He became a Lieutenant J.G. instrument instructor, flying Hell-Cats and other craft from carriers. After his discharge in 1945, he moved back to Temple, then Gatesville, where he was in the movie theater business with his brothers. In 1962, he became a postman and was eventually promoted to postmaster of Gatesville, Texas. He retired from this position in October 1992. He was a 50-year member of Gatesville Masonic Lodge #197. Joe was an avid sportsman all his life and loved to play golf and hunt and fish. All of his friends who shared these activities with him will miss him very much. As per his wishes, Joe was cremated and a celebration of his life is scheduled for April 23, 2005, at 2 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Gatesville. He will be laid to rest in a private family ceremony before the service. Those who wish to make a memorial contribution in Joe's name may either choose the Peaceable Kingdom Retreat for Children, Inc., in Temple, the American Cancer Society, or a charity of your choice. The family wishes to thank Dr. Shane Mills and his staff in Gatesville, his doctors and nurses at Scott & White Hospital in Temple and the hospice caregivers of Scott & White for their loving care of our father during his stay. They made an unbearable situation bearable and peaceful for him and his family.
Inscription
LTJG U.S. Navy World War II
Photos
Family
Parents
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Siblings
- Hiram Bowmer Skelton 1904–1953
- Judge Byron George Skelton 1905–2004
- Barnet Bernard Skelton 1912–1996
- LT Max DeWitt Skelton 1914–1977
- Margaret Lena Skelton Alsup 1914–2007
- Howard Skelton 1919–2007
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