Sam Skinner, 71, of Eagleville, MO., passed away peacefully in the presence of his family on October 14, 2015 at the Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, NE.
Sam was born on March 26, 1944 in Bethany, MO to Everett and Nora (Sheets) Skinner. Sam was the only child born to this union and was their very beloved son.
Sam was married to Carol (Rice) Skinner on May 23, 1965. They were married 50 golden years and had a wonderful family celebration to commemorate their love in May 2015.
Sam was a lifelong farmer. He loved being outdoors; whether he was driving his John Deere tractor, riding the 4 wheeler, caring for his livestock or working the land on the family farm. In 1984, he went to work at the Graceland University Physical Plant and retired from there in 2002. Sam took great pride in caring for the Graceland football field and he loved getting to meet and tease all the students on campus. Sam loved sports; whether it was playing on the 1962 State basketball team with the North Harrison Shamrocks, coaching Little League baseball or softball teams through the years, or watching his kids and grandkids play through the years. He always preached that “Dedication and teamwork made you a winner!” Sam made some of his greatest friends through the years of sports and carried those friendships to the very end. After retirement from Graceland, Sam’s job was to attend the local coffee shop and gas station to visit with all of his Eagleville friends. Sam always had a smile, a joke, a teasing remark for anyone and everyone. The twinkle in his eye, his smile, his chuckle of laughter as he pulled off his orneriness were the traits he was best known for!
Sam was a dedicated and loving father and grandfather. His children were his pride and joy. Vonda, Shawn and Shane were his greatest accomplishments. He loved to tell people that he raised a teacher, a doctor and a cop. Sam also loved to share with others about his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Sam was blessed with 6 grandchildren: Dalton, Jeffrey, Zachary, Samantha, Donovan, and Dava. He had 6 amazing great grandchildren: Brighton, Rigley, Adleigh, Ephram, Bo and Josie.
Sam was preceded in death by his parents, his in-laws, and several aunts and uncles. He was also preceded in death by his beloved dog, Jake.
Sam is survived by his wife, Carol, of the home and his newly beloved dog, Bear. He is survived by his children: Vonda (Dave) Nelson, Shawn (Jami) Skinner, Shane (Debbi) Skinner. He is also survived by his 6 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. He is survived by several cousins and numerous friends as well.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, October 17 at the First Christian Church of Eagleville, MO. Burial will follow in Masonic Cemetery, Eagleville, MO under the direction of Roberson Funeral Home, Eagleville, MO. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Friday at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to the HCCH Home Health Department and/or the North Harrison FFA Chapter in care of the Roberson Funeral Home, PO Box 46, Eagleville, MO 64442. Online condolences may be left at www.robersonfuneralhome.com