Willard H. Skelton

Funeral services for Willard H. Skelton, age 88, were held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 5, 2005, in the First United Methodist Church with Rev. Terry Tamplen of Odessa, officiating.  Burial was held at Citizens Cemetery in Clarendon with Masonic Graveside Rites by Clarendon Masonic Lodge #700.  Arrangements were under the direction of Robertson Funeral Directors, Inc., of Clarendon.

Mr. Skelton died Saturday, July 2, 2005, in Clarendon.  He was born to Mamie and Luther Skelton on October 7, 1916.  He married Frances Sanford on July 30, 1937.  Willard served in the Medical Corps of the US Navy and was stationed in San Diego, California.  After discharge, he traveled the Panhandle for 30 years for Bennets Printing Company of Dallas.  He never forgot a customer and looked forward to seeing each of them.  He loved people.  Mr. Skelton joined the First United Methodist Church in 1924.  He greeted everyone who entered the south door each Sunday, was an usher, and was appointed to many committees.  He and his wife organized the Fellowship Sunday School Class in 1977 and it is still very active.  Mr. Skelton was an election judge for 35 years and was active in local politics.  He was a director of the Saints’ Roost Museum for 20 years.  He served on the school board, was a city commissioner, on the library board, a member of the Chamber of Commerce, and was selected as Pioneer Man of the Year.  He joined the Masonic Lodge at the age of 22, was Past Master, and served as secretary for 15 years.  He had received the Golden Trowel Award.  He loved to travel and play golf.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Durwood, Cecil, and Fred; and one granddaughter, Graham Davidson of Vermont.

Survivors include his wife, Frances of Clarendon; two daughters, Paula Odom and husband Gene of Aledo and Candace Scarborough and husband Charles of Abilene; one son, Sanford K. Skelton of Austin; one brother, Bob Skelton of Amarillo; one nephew, Durwood Skelton of Midland; ten grandchildren; eleven great grandchildren; and one great great grandchild.

The family suggests memorials be to the Saints’ Roost Museum or the First United Methodist Church, both in Clarendon.