Tom Skidmore

On February 11, 1944, Tom Skidmore was born to Nestor Lee and Gladys D (Simpson) Skidmore at home in Bergoo, West Virginia. On November 13, 2018 he went home to see them again. His loving and caring family were at his side.

He is the devoted husband of 54+ yrs to Ricki Skidmore (Gall), loving and giving father of Robert Kieth, David Wayne (Christine), Gary Thomas (Kim Moats) and Kelley Allen (Mike Naffah) Skidmore, Grandfather of Joshua G (Nicole) Skidmore, Jillian G (Steve) Lowe, Angel D (Dustin Carney) Skidmore and Jolene G Jackson, Great Grandfather of William, Kayley, Vincent, Autumn, Charles, Kaleb, Julia, Jonelle, Aiya and Luna. Brother to Richard (Sigrid), Eddie (Judy), Bev (Greg), Steve (Jill) and Connie (Ralph). He was also an Uncle and cousin to many.

Although they left West Virginia after being married on Dec 21, 1963, West Virginia never left their hearts. Theirs is a love story for the ages. After living in Madison, Mentor on the Lake and Mentor, Ohio while raising their family, they came back home to Philippi, WVa after retiring in 2006.

He was known as Tom, Tommy, Uncle Tom, Grandad, Mr. Skidmore, “Sparky” and “Slide”. We called him dad. Our dad could do and fix almost anything. He was a Deacon, welder, carpenter, mechanic, racer, builder, craftsman, tradesman, deer hunter and an all around handyman. He took pride in welding up the large Eucs that hauled so much in the mining operations. He taught us hard work and love for family. He showed us how to be a husband, a father and a grandad. We went almost everywhere and did almost everything you can think of a family doing together. We played and watched baseball and softball, went to sporting events, church, circuses, concerts, truck and tractor pulls, camping, fishing, beach, family reunions, sight seeing trips, amusement parks and all kinds of other adventures. He is and always will be our Superman.

Dad’s brothers, sisters and extended family meant the world to him. Each and everyone of you hold a special place in his heart. The times we all spent together, were relayed by stories and memories that will be passed on by generations for years to come.

Please send any donations to Mountain Hospice or Philippi United Methodist Church.

In leui of flowers, please spend time with your family. Love your spouse. Hug your children. Go to dinner, a movie or a ballgame. Be a dad.

Dear God, into your hands we commend his spirit. May he stay close to our hearts and always in our thoughts.

Friends will be received at the Wright Funeral Home 220 N. Walnut St. Philippi on Friday November 16, from 5-8 pm and on Saturday November 17, from 8 am – 1 pm the service hour. Funeral services will be conducted by Tom’s son David Skidmore and Pastor Sam Haught officiating. Interment will follow in the Mt. Vernon Memorial Cemetery.