December 28 1946 November 23 2021
James Howard Skelton December 28, 1946 – November 23, 2021 Share this obituary Send Sympathy Gifts Sign Guestbook| View Guestbook Entries| Send Sympathy Card SGT. JAMES HOWARD SKELTON (December 28, 1946 – November 23, 2021) James was born in Houston, Texas, and resided in Texas most of his life until he retired north of the Red River. He is survived by his wife, Andrea Poindexter Skelton. His children, son James Howard Skelton II and his wife Sharyn, daughter Laura Skelton Couey and husband Alex, and daughter Julie Skelton Calderon and husband Memo. Grandchildren include Sarah Hays Skelton, James “Jake” Howard Skelton III, Sydney Noelle Skelton, and Taura Elizabeth Ray. One sister, Sharon Skelton Gillett, and husband Tom, and one brother, George Skelton, and wife Twilla. In addition to numerous other family members. He is preceded in death by his parents Howard Skelton and Natalie Puddy Skelton. James received two bachelor’s degrees from the University of Houston and a master’s degree from the University of Texas-Tyler. Sgt. Skelton served as a meteorologist in the United States Air Force from February 1966 to February 1972. His service medals and awards include the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal – with Bronze Service Star, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and Good Conduct Medal. For many years James was an oil exploration geologist in the Houston area. Before retirement, he was an instructor at LeTourneau University, the University of Houston, and an eighth-grade science teacher. His hobbies include his passion for genealogy, especially his Native American ancestors, photography, and travel, where he loved “marking off” tours of all US presidential libraries. He and his wife attend Covenant Church in Poteau, Oklahoma. He was a proud member of Sons of Confederate Veterans Captain James J. McAlester Camp 775 and Military Order of the Stars and Bars. He was also a proud supporter of the mission of The Virginia Flaggers. Officiating his service is his dear friend Sgt. Robert “Bob” Pattison, United States Marine Corp (Chaplain SCV Camp 775 and Chaplain SCV Oklahoma Division). Pallbearers include Memo Calderon, Alex Couey, Jason Lawrence, James Howard Skelton II, James Howard Skelton III, and Rubin White. Graveside funeral service will be at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 30, 2021 at The U.S. National Cemetery in Fort Smith, AR. Viewing will be from 12 noon to 1:30 p.m before the funeral service at Lewis Funeral Chapel in Fort Smith, AR. In honor of James and his service to our great nation, please make memorial contributions to a veteran’s organization of your choice. Arrangements are provided by Lewis Roberts Funeral Home in Ft. Smith, AR. To plant Memorial Trees in memory of James Howard Skelton, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store. Print Obituary Sign Guestbook Name: Location: Video: Image: Light A Candle Candle 1 Candle 2 Candle 3 Candle 4 Email: Please keep my message private Personal Message: Submit Guestbook entry
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of James Howard Skelton December 28 1946 November 23 2021.
Death notice for the town of: Lavaca, state: Arkansas
Dear Andrea,
I was so very sorry to read this obituary about the loss of your husband. Please accept my most heartfelt condolences and know that you are in my prayers. I saw some of your pictures together, and you looked like such a lovely couple. I remember you as being such a lovely person back in high school at Northwest Academy. Know that I am thinking of you and praying for God’s comfort during this sad time.
Regards,
Suzanne Juneau (Collins)