Virgil "Verdell" Skelton

Virgil “Verdell” Skelton went home to be with his Lord and Savior Friday, July 10, 2015 at his home in Roswell. Verdell was born August 26, 1928 at Caldwell Hospital. He is the youngest child of Charles and Dora Skelton. He grew up in Roswell with his older sister Mildred Skelton Smyser. His father was a farmer and that is where he developed a love for the land. He attended Roswell High School and shared many stories of playing 6-man football and having to move the cows off the field, which doubled as a pasture, so they could play their games. Roswell consolidated with Parma his senior year, he graduated from Parma in 1946. At the age of 16, Verdell was the youngest person in Idaho to get his pilot’s license. He loved flying and celebrated his 80th birthday by tandem skydiving at the Caldwell Airport. After graduation Verdell enlisted in the Marines with a number of his Parma buddies, he was part of the all Idaho platoon. He was stationed in South Carolina, Hawaii and Midway Island. Being a Marine was one of the major highlights of his life. He used the GI Bill to attend the College of Idaho where he played football and met his future wife, Alma “Adell” Paul. They were married June 11, 1950 and moved into the Roswell home that they shared for 65 years. They had 4 children. Verdell worked the family farm until 1980; he then started Skelton Spray Service where he worked until he retired. Verdell was a strong supporter of Parma athletics and one of the leaders in getting the track put into its present location. He enjoyed announcing the Parma football games and being the voice of the Panthers. He was also a contributor of the Parma Review with articles dealing with Parma athletics. He enjoyed being part of the Jaycee’s and loved volunteering. Verdell was a devoted father who rarely missed any event that his children were involved in. He was their biggest fan. He enjoyed camping and fishing with his family during the summers. Verdell had a kind, generous heart and was always willing to help others in need; he made a difference in many lives. Verdell is survived by his wife Adell Skelton; daughter Crystal & son-in-law Jim Giles; son Michael Skelton; son Randall & daughter-in-law Katherine Skelton; and daughter Sherril Skelton. He had 3 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren. A viewing for family and friends will be held Friday, July 24, 2015 from 5-8 PM at Flahiff Funeral Chapel, Caldwell. Funeral Services will be held Saturday, July 25, 2015 at 11:00AM at Sterry Memorial Presbyterian Church, in Roswell. Interment with military honors will follow at Roswell Cemetery. Condolences can be given at www.flahifffuneralchapel.com Service Information