Obituary

John L. Skeans
(April 12, 1921 - October 7, 2017)

John Lambert Skeans, 96 of Huntington, WV passed away at home after a prolonged illness on Saturday, October 7, 2017. He was born April 12, 1921 in Wayne, WV. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Lois Skeans, his parents, John and Permelia Skeans, one brother, Otis Skeans, and three sisters, Cleo Skeans, Lola Watts, and Prudence Christopher. John was employed by the C&O Railroad where he retired as Chief Car Distributor after many years of service. As a member of Baptist Temple Church in Huntington for more than six decades, he served in various capacities to include Chairman of the Board of Deacons, Board of Trustees, and Church Treasurer. John was an avid Marshall University football and basketball fan and was an early-on member of The Big Green. He was a season ticket holder since the Fairfield Stadium and Memorial Field House era of Marshall Athletics. He was a WWII combat veteran who served with the 87TH Infantry, Golden Acorn Division. He fought at the Battle of The Bulge where he was the recipient of The Bronze Star for acts of heroism. He is survived by two daughters, Beverly Skeans, Gloria (William) Earl, one son, John Lloyd (Tamera) Skeans, two grandsons, Jeremy (Ladonna) Skeans, John (Marie) Skeans, three granddaughters, Melinda Meadows, Kelsey and Karli Skeans, two great grandsons, Zach Simpkins and Nicholas Skeans. Other survivors include numerous nieces and nephews. John is also survived by his very special friends at the Sixth Street Bob Evans Restaurant including all the kitchen staff, hosts, hostesses, waitresses, and many of the regular customers. A heartfelt thanks to all the people on the Green Team and Geri-Pact team at the Huntington V.A. Medical Center who took care of John through the years as his health declined. A special thanks to the Hospice staff and personnel and to his special care nurse, Crystal White for such loving care in his final days. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Thursday, October 12, 2017 at Klingel-Carpenter Mortuary by the Rev. William V. Earl and Rev. Andy Magnusson.  Visitation will be 10 a.m. until service time.  Interment will follow with full military honors at Woodmere Memorial Park.