CHESTERFIELD – Vernard E. Skinner, 87, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on March 2nd, 2017 at St. Vincent Anderson Regional Hospital in the presence of his family.
Born in Marion, IN on January 2, 1930, he graduated from Elwood High School in 1949 before attending Butler University where he ran cross country, and later graduated from Ball State University in 1956. He worked for General Motors for 37 years before retiring in 1987.
Vernard married Marilyn (Davies) in 1950, and they were happily married for 66 years. He loved spending time with their five children and numerous grandchildren, and was very beloved by family and friends. He was a lifelong advocate for youth and youth activities and also enjoyed traveling, attending events with his family, and scrapbooking. He was a strong supporter of Highland High School sports and served as president of the Tip-off club. He was also a supporter of the band, choir, and the local arts.
He was a central figure in the creation and running of the Chesterfield Millcreek Civic Center as a 14 year full time volunteer, and was also a longtime member of the Optimist Club, serving as president, lieutenant Governor and Governor of the Indiana North District, recently winning the Chesterfield Optimist Club’s 2017 Humanitarian of the Year Award. He was a devoted member of the Chesterfield Christian Church, where he served as a deacon. He was a proud member of the ROMEO Club.
Vernard is survived by his wife Marilyn, son Kevin Skinner (Candy), daughters Terra Skinner (Keith Alexander), Rhonda Kimm (Robert), Stacy Nickel (Curt), and Cindy Todd, along with 13 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.
He was preceded in death by his mother Ruth Perkins, father Calvin Skinner, Stepfather Chester Perkins, and son in-law Michael Todd.
Funeral Service will be on Tuesday, March 7, 2017 at 1:00pm at Chesterfield Christian Church with Ned Clark officiating. The burial will take place in East Maplewood Cemetery.
The visitation will be on Monday, March 6, 2017 from 4:00-8:00pm at Rozelle-Johnson Funeral Service and also 1 hour prior on Tuesday at the church.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Chesterfield Christian Church or Chesterfield Optimist Club.
Post online condolences at www.rozelle-johnson.com