SKINNER, WESLEY HARVEY, age 88, of Mt. Pleasant, passed away Tuesday, July 3, 2018 at Isabella County Medical Care Facility.

Wesley was born March 18, 1930 in Lake City MI, to William Earl and Lydia Marie (Boulton) Skinner. He graduated from Harrison High School in 1948 and enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. While assigned to England in 1950 he met his wife-to-be Janice Vowden during a walk through her hometown, and they were married a year later at his parents’ home in Harrison MI. His best friend and beloved partner, she preceded him in death in 1996.
Wesley’s Air Force career included assignments in Merced CA; Greenham Common RAF Station, England; Yuba City CA; Omaha NE; Ramstein Air Base, Germany; Dayton OH; Anchorage AK; Shreveport LA, and Colorado Springs CO. He attained the rank of Chief Master Sergeant in 1971 and later served as the Command Chief Master Sergeant for Air Force Logistics Command, Alaskan Air Command, and North American Air Defense Command (NORAD).

Upon retirement from his 32-year career with the Air Force, Janice and Wesley moved to Mt. Pleasant MI, where he served as Director of Human Resources for Central Michigan Community Hospital for 16 years. He was a member of Faith Lutheran Church, Mt. Pleasant Lions Club, and was a 33rd degree Mason. He officiated collegiate Track and Field events and served on the Board of Directors for Listening Ear. Wesley loved hunting and fishing, especially with his Alaska family. Wherever his adventures took him he made many friends who will miss his annual Christmas letters or phone calls just to catch up.

Wesley was preceded in death by his father William Earl Skinner; mother and stepfather Lydia Marie and Daniel Czyzewski; brothers Leo and Max Skinner; infant brother Eugene; and sister Laura Meyer.

Wesley is survived by his daughter Vickie Skinner of Mt. Pleasant; son Wesley H. (Carol) Skinner, Jr. of Anchorage AK; grandchildren Kelsey (John) Saari of Anchorage AK, Whitney (Steven) Harness of Homer AK, and Rebekah (Carlo) Balmes of Anchorage AK; great-grandchildren Corbin, Noah, Naomi, and Phoebe Saari; Riggs, Raina, (and one on the way) Harness; brother William Skinner of Mason MI; sister Sharon Smith of Mason MI; many nieces and nephews; and his dear friends Paula and Bert Krueger, their children and grandchildren.

A Memorial Service for Wesley will be held on Friday, July 13, 2018 at 11 a.m. at Faith Lutheran Church, 1402 E. Preston Street, Mt. Pleasant, with Pastor Michael Biedenbender officiating. The family will receive friends the day of the service beginning at 10 a.m. A luncheon will immediately follow in the fellowship hall. Burial of ashes will take place at Maple Grove Cemetery in Harrison. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Faith Lutheran Church Music Fund. Envelopes will be available at the church.

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