Jack Thomas Skinner

Jack Thomas Skinner, 85, of Danville, passed away at 6:45 a.m., Thursday, February 12, 2009 at VA Illiana Healthcare System in Danville. Jack was born on April 5, 1923 in Sapulpa, Oklahoma, the son of the late Harry C. and Bessie (McCallister) Skinner. He married Irene Middlemas on June 7, 1947 in Covington, Indiana. She preceded him in death on October 19, 2000. He is survived by his three sons-Gordon (Mary) Skinner, James (Julie) Skinner and Kenneth (Mimi) Skinner all of Danville; one sister- Viola Kacmar of Gallatin, Tennessee; six grandchildren- Jack Skinner of Peoria, Illinois, Sarah Stahl of Danville, Kellie Kolb of Greenwood, Indiana, Kristen Skinner of Springfield, Illinois, Parker Sands of Lake Hughes, California and Preston Skinner of Danville; three great-grandchildren- Sebastian, Lorenzo and Olivia; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his two brothers- Louis Skinner and Harry Skinner; and two sisters- Emma Sexton and Mildred Bridges. Jack attended Danville High School and served in the United States Army during World War II. He worked for 38 years at Illinois Power as a forestryman, until he retired in 1985. Jack was a longtime Democrat Precinct Committeeman and served on the Vermilion County Board from 1988 to 1994. He was also a member of IBEW. Jack loved to go fishing at his cabin on the Wabash River. He was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan and enjoyed gardening and going mushroom hunting. In his earlier years, Jack enjoyed playing softball and coaching his children in baseball. He loved to spend time with his family and grandchildren. A Celebration of the Life of Jack Thomas Skinner will be at 2:00 p.m. Monday, February 16, 2009 at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center. Visitation will be from 2:00-6:00 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Entombment will follow the service in Sunset Memorial Park. Military rites will be conducted by American Legion Post #210. Memorials may be made in Jacks name to the Alzheimers Unit at VA Illiana Healthcare in Danville. E-mail condolences may be sent to the family at: www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.