SMYRNA - Douglas Michael Skinner, "Mike" passed away peacefully on Monday, Jul. 31, 2017, at home.
Born on Jun. 25, 1951, to the late Douglas Nelson Skinner and Ellen Viars Skinner, he proudly served his country in the U.S. Marine Corp for two years during the Vietnam War era as a tank crewman, expert marksman, and sharpshooter. He was honorably discharged with the National Defense Service Metal, 45 Pistol Marksman award, and an M-14 Expert award.
Mike went on to graduate from Goldey Beacom College with a B.A. in Business. He continued on in life with an over 30-year career at Amtrak Railroad rising up the ranks to Vice President of the union. He was implemental in many interactions with the politicians in Washington D.C., with a special friendship with Joe Biden through the years during his tenure with Amtrak.
He had a special gift of making you laugh at the obscurities of life. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.
He is survived by his wife, Patricia; his former wife, Vicki Bradford; his children, Rusty (Kate), Tony (Lisa), and Jeanette (John); his brothers, Edward and Brad Skinner; his sisters, Sandra Calloway and Tanya Peri; grandchildren, Jared, Matthew, Jessica, Julia, Zachary, Sean, Daniel, Trey, Jordan, and Brandon; and a host of cousins, nieces and nephews.
A viewing will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2017, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Faries Funeral Chapel, located at 29 S. Main Street in Smyrna. Funeral services will begin at 1 p.m. Burial with military honors will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2017, at 10 a.m. in the Delaware Veterans memorial Cemetery in Bear.
Condolence letters may be sent by visiting www.fariesfuneralhome.com