Robert Henry Skinner, Sr.

Robert “Bob” Henry Skinner, age 89, of Glen Burnie, Maryland, ended a long battle with Alzheimers on October 23, 2024 at The Hospice of the Chesapeake, Severna Park. He was born on January 5, 1935 in Columbus Ohio to the late William Everett and Norma Jean (Streevey). He leaves behind his loving wife of 57 years, Eileen “Pat”. He is survived by his sister Patricia, of Lakeland, Tennessee. Bob was a loving father to Yvonne (Lonnie Jordan), of Columbus, Ohio, Robert (Bernice), of Beaufort, SC, David (Lauren) Charleston, SC and Sean (Cassandra) of Glen Burnie, MD. He was a proud grandfather to 15 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. 

He is preceded in death by his brother William Ramon, his sister Donna Jean Campbell, brother-in-law, Warren, grandson, Zachery Sebastian Skinner and many canine companions. 

Bob joined the U.S. Navy at an early age (due to poor record keeping on the part of the US Government the world may never know) served 4 years before reenlisting into the U.S. Army where he served 24 years. Although most of his military career was in the Army, later in life, he recalled his Navy days more often than not. He was pivotal in the design and instruction of the Nike Hercules, a surface to air missile system, which he also maintained. Bob was also a radar mechanic on both the CHAPARRAL missile system and the Vulcan air defense systems. During his time, he earned Expert missileman, 1st class missile man and 2nd class artillery man, not to mention 2 Army Commendation medals and several Good Conduct Medals.

Bob was stationed in Fort Buckner, Japan, Okinawa, Korea, Fort Campbell, KY, Fort Hood, TX, just to name a few before retiring in 1976 as a Sergeant First Class. 

After retirement he was “a Jack of all trades and master at none” by selling insurance for Western and Southern Life, working on cars, and managed properties in and around Myrtle Beach, SC. Bob’s hobbies included fishing, watching NCIS, traveling, and spoiling his wife as often as possible. He was a die hard Washington Redskins fan, if only to stir up fun banter with Sean who is a Dallas Fan - a cold 6 pack of beer was always the prize but neither ever saw it through. He never missed an Ohio State game and loved NASCAR, even if he couldn't see the TV he was always listening to the announcer. He loved spending time with the grandkids and most of the time was the biggest kid in the room - giving wet willy’s to anyone that sat still long enough, “milking the mouse” or laying on the floor to color with the kids- even if he needed help getting back up. Bob had a smile and a laugh that was contagious to everyone he met. He will be missed beyond belief. 

In lieu of flowers please donate to the Alzheimer's foundation to help find a cure https://www.alz.org/ 

A Celebration of Life will be at family owned and operated McCully Polyniak & Collins Funeral Home, P.A. at 3204 Mountain Rd, Pasadena, MD 21122. on Sunday, October 27, 2024, from 12:00 to 4:00 pm. Military honors will be conducted at the funeral home on Sunday at 2:00 pm. Bring your favorite stories of Bob and dress comfortably!