Ed Skillern

Isaac Edwin Skillern 'Ed' , 93, of Kerrville, TX passed away February 26, 2018 in the comfort of his home in Riverhill.\r\n\r\nEd was born to William Lee Skillern and Katherine Louise Samuels on July 31, 1924 in Houston, Texas. \r\n \r\nHe went to high school at Lufkin High School where he played football under coach Abe Martin and graduated in 1945. After graduation he joined the US Navy and served from 1942-1945 during WWII as a Quartermaster, second class. He served in the Pacific on a minesweeper in the Aleutian Islands, as well as on an attack troop transport all over the South Pacific. After his discharge, he attended Stephen F. Austin for a year and then went to Texas Christian University where he graduated with a BA with Distinction in Geology in 1950. He was a member of Alpha Chi Honor Society. He returned to the Navy to serve in Korea from 1950-1951 where he was on the staff of the Commander Fleet Air Wing 6 in Japan. \r\n\r\nEd spent his working career as a Geologist, mostly in the gas industry. This job gave him the opportunity to travel all over the world and enjoy his favorite activity - golf. Ed said there were three things he wanted to accomplish as a golfer: win a Club Championship, make a hole in one, and shoot his age. He achieved all three. He won the East Ridge Country Club- Shreveport, LA in 1966; he shot 77 twice at Riverhill during his 77th year; and he had 9 holes-in-one. \r\n\r\nHe was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Kathleen Carr Skillern and his wife Virginia Burton Skillern; one brother Robert Skillern and his three sisters Lucille Isaac, Mildred Zogg and Katherine Stoever. He is survived by his brother Don Skillern and wife Mary Skillern; his daughters: Karen Mackie of Austin, TX and Nancy Skillern of Elizabethtown, TN; his grandchildren Elissa Mackie of Arlington, TN, Amanda Ronaldes and her husband Barry Ronaldes of Austin, TX, and Patrick Mackie and his wife Elizabeth Mackie of Austin, TX; and seven wonderful great grandchildren Savanna Gifford, Dakota Gifford, Hudson Gifford, Elora Ronaldes, Nicolette Ronaldes, Isaac Mackie and Lucille Mackie; and his longtime loving companion Bettye Warnock.\r\n\r\nEd will be remembered by the Riverhill community as a wonderful story teller and always the gentleman. He loved that he chose to finish his run at life in Kerrville. He will be missed by many but especially by all his friends at Riverhill County Club.\r\n\r\nIn lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Hill Country Youth Ranch, Arms of Hope, or First Methodist Church. \r\n\r\nSpecial thanks to Peterson Hospice for the wonderful care of Ed and his family.\r\n\r\nThe family invites you to attend the funeral service on March 11 at 3:00 p.m., First Methodist Church, followed by a reception at Riverhill Country Club.\r\n