Loring Russell Skillings

P. Dean Homer Funeral Home J. Jeffrey Homer, Supervisor 1 Grovedale Lane Wyalusing, Pennsylvania 18853 Tel 570 746-1444 Fax 570 928-8116 Email pdh@epix.net OBITUARY Loring Russell Skillings, 90, passed away Thursday, April 28, 2011, at the Wyalusing Valley Personal Care Home, Wyalusing Township, PA Loring was born on Jan. 8, 1921, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the son of the late Robert L. and Edith Bessie Blanchard Skillings. He was one of 13 siblings, three of whom died while children. After graduating from high school, he served with the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) engaged in public works projects in the state of Minnesota. He then enlisted with the United States Marines, serving during World War II as an airplane mechanic. While still serving in the Marines, he met his future wife, Beverly Sterling, while on leave with a friend in the Wyalusing area. Loring and Beverly were married on March 16, 1946, and celebrated their 66 years of marriage before Beverly passed away January 13, 2010. Loring was a member of the Camptown Community Church, where he and Beverly worshipped for more than 50 years after moving to Camptown. He worked as an auto mechanic in the Wyalusing area after coming home from the war and was subsequently hired by GTE Sylvania in North Towanda, working there for about three decades before retiring as Supervisor of Plant Services in the mid-1980’s. In February of 1986 he was honored by the Camptown Men’s and Civics Clubs for his many contributions to the community and church, including his role in the inauguration of the Camptown Races in 1965. He loved music and sang for a number of years with the acclaimed Sylvania Men’s Chorus. Loring was known as a man of boundless energy and enthusiasm and was once described as “the custodian of Camptown.” He was always available to help out others, whether it was a widow with a leaking roof or volunteering for community and church endeavors. He is survived by son and daughter-in-law, Wesley and Mary Skillings, Wyalusing, PA; son and daughter-in-law, Clifford and Jean Skillings, Brockport, NY; son, Donald Skillings, Wilseyville, NY, and daughter and son-in-law, Barbara and Jay Chadwick, Merryall, PA. Also surviving are seven grandchildren: Pamela Skillings, Anita Ricci, Jeremy Skillings, Brian Skillings, Timothy Skillings, James Chadwick, and Lauren Chadwick. He was also the great-grandfather to six, as well as the uncle of numerous nieces and nephews. Only three of his siblings survive, all of whom reside in Minnesota: sisters, Marian and Janet, and brother, Gordon. Funeral services and a celebration of his life will be held at the Camptown Community Church on Sunday, May 1, at 3 p.m., with the Rev. Bill Westbrook, his pastor, officiating. There will be a visitation at the church starting at 2 p.m., with family members present. Interment will be at the Camptown Cemetery following the service. Memorial contributions may directed to the Camptown United Methodist Church, PO Box 163, Camptown, PA 18853. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the P. Dean Homer Funeral Home, 1 Grovedale Lane, Wyalusing, PA. To send condolences or sign the e-guestbook, please go to homerfuneralhome.com To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Loring Russell Skillings, please visit our flower store.