David Skelton

David Lynn Skelton Born February 23, 1929 Died July 27, 2010 Dave was born to John and Polly Skelton in Richland, WA. He grew up farming with his father and wreaking impish havoc with his siblings John (Spokane) and Dot (Garner, Walla Walla). He married Sharon Adams April 9, 1955 in Walla Walla. He worked at the state penitentiary and farmed cattle there. They moved to Olympia in 1966. Sharon preceded him in death in March of 2003. Surviving are his 3 children, Dave Skelton, Jr. (Jan, CA), Mike Skelton (Leslie) and Mary Skelton (Paul), WA. , 6 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. He served two years in the army and his fondest storytelling topics (besides those of the adventures of his childhood) were of the time spent in Germany and Switzerland. Forever the storyteller, he also went on long dissertations about his cars, motorcycles and boating days with friends spanning his lifetime. He worked as a carpenter until he was forced into early retirement due to illness. But he never gave up his love of woodworking and took up furniture building for a short time to fill his days. He applied his woodworking skills to boats and remodeling or repairing whatever was thrown his way. Ever the artist, we would often find amazing pencil drawn pictures in the margins of a book he was reading, usually of horses, comical cows or beautiful women. We never knew what we would find opening a book that he had held. He always worked the daily crossword puzzle in the newspaper, leaving parts of it unfinished so as to goad us into seeing if we could complete it. He loved to both watch and gripe about baseball so it is especially regrettable that he will be missing the remainder of the season , perhaps he'll be "coaching" it from a different place. Dad, drive 'er slow, drinks lots of cold water and write if you find work. In lieu of flowers we ask that donations be made to Capitol Land Trust, 209 Fourth Ave. E., Suite 205, Olympia, Wa. 98501. Or go to www.capitollandtrust.org. Please leave memories and condolences for family online by clicking "View Guestbook" below.