Richard L. Skinner

Richard L. Skinner, 80, of Bridgman, passed away on May 31, 2006, at Lakeland Hospital, St. Joseph. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 1:00 P.M., Sunday, June 4, 2006, at Kerley-Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, with Pastor R. Gordon Barry of the Stevensville United Methodist Church officiating. Visitation will be held from 5-8 P.M. on Saturday, June 3, 2006, at the funeral home. Burial will be in Graceland Cemetery, Bridgman, with military honors provided by the Stevensville American Legion Post #568. Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association of Michigan. Those wishing to share a memory or sign the guest book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Richard was born August 24, 1925, in Chicago, Illinois, to John and Sophie (Greiner) Skinner. Richard was a veteran, having served in the U.S. Navy during WWII. He married the former Julia Hetherington on October 23, 1946, in Benton Harbor, Michigan. She preceded him in death in 2003. Richard retired from Weldun International, Bridgman, after 25 years. He was a long time member of the Stevensville American Legion Rifle Squad. He was a member of the Tin Can Sailors Association. He and Julia were members of the Berrien County 4-H Fair Rabbit Barn Association for many years. They also were great supporters of Bridgman High School Athletics. Richard was an avid woodworker. He enjoyed boating and fishing and was an avid Notre Dame fan. Most of all, he enjoyed his family, especially, his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Survivors include sons: Rick Skinner of Novi, Michigan, and Steven Skinner and his fiance Cindy Dreos of Bridgman; 8 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents and wife preceding him in death were a son, Dennis Skinner; grandchildren, Chad Skinner and Keisha Skinner; and a sister, Helen Skinner.