MOUNT VERNON – Gerald “Jerry” E. Skeen, 85, of Mount Vernon, passed away on Thursday, Dec. 24, 2020, at Dublin Methodist Hospital. He was born on Aug. 10, 1935, in Mount Vernon, to the late Virgil and Bertha (Keyes) Skeen.
Gerald attended Mount Vernon High School, Class of 1954, where he was a member of the football team. He then honorably served his country in the United States Marine Corps, the Marine Corps Reserves and the Ohio Army National Guard; retiring as a Sergeant First Class and platoon sergeant with Company D, 237th Support Battalion, 73rd Infantry Brigade in Mount Vernon, after more than 20 years of service.
He was a member of Owl Creek Baptist Church for over 50 years; where he actively served as a deacon, choir member, and as a member of the Brandon Baptist Men’s Conference.
Gerald coached Babe Ruth baseball for a number of years, served as president of the Knox County Babe Ruth League, and was a past member of the Utica Jaycees and Optimist Club.
Following his retirement, Gerald continued his life of service; volunteering with the American Red Cross, Knox Community Hospital, and as an election poll worker.
He is survived by his loving wife of more than 62 years, Mary H. (Stagg) Skeen; five children, Michael (Marian) Skeen of Newark, David Skeen of Ventura, California, Eric (Nancy) Skeen of Gahanna, Kathy (Mark) Eichner of Utica and Jason (Barb) Skeen of Powell; eleven grandchildren, Sarah (Jamie) Drayton, Erin (Joe) Petticrew, Megan (Matt) Miller, Erica (Zach) Travis, Abby Skeen, Jordan Skeen, Nathan Eichner, Mason and Sydney Ament, and Jackson and Owen Skeen; six great-grandchildren, Cole Allen, Leo Drayton, Charlie and Maddie Petticrew, Alexandra Miller and Miri Travis; as well as many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Gerald was preceded in death by a sister, Norma J. Robbins; and a brother, Wendell Skeen.
A memorial service celebrating Gerald’s life will be held at a later date at the Owl Creek Baptist Church with military honors provided by the Knox County Joint Veterans Council.
If anyone should wish to make a gesture honoring Gerald, the family suggests a donation to the Knox County chapter of the American Red Cross at 300 N. Mulberry St. in Mount Vernon, Ohio.
To share a memory or send the family an expression of sympathy, visit www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.
The Dowds-Snyder Funeral Home in Mount Vernon is honored to serve the family of Gerald “Jerry” E. Skeen.
