Dean Skinner

Obituary of Dean Francis Skinner

Dean F. Skinner, died, Thursday, March 4, 2010 was 85 years old, lived a very full life and was thankful for it. He grew up in Michigan wanting to fly, while in High School he completed all required academic classes in order to qualify for the Naval Aviation Cadet program. The day after his 1943 graduation he left home to take the flight physical in Chicago. He was found physically disqualified because of his ears and was told he was probably not qualified, for any of the armed services. He joined the Merchant Marine the next day which was not classified an armed service. He attended school at Sheepshead Bay, N.Y., became a purser/pharmacists mate and attained the rank of Ensign in the Maritime service. He served two war years on T-2 Tankers and on one voyage went around the world. Many other trips were made on the North Atlantic delivering fuel, aircraft and mine sweepers on the well decks superstructure to England and to other destinations in the South Pacific. He served in many combat areas during WWII and was recognized for doing so. After the war he held many jobs in Michigan, the last one was as an Insurance Investigator when he received a notice he was about to be drafted for service because Merchant Service during the war did not satisfy his national service commitment. Still wanting to fly he applied for flight training school with the Air Force this time and was accepted. He was made a flight Instructor upon graduation and after three years went on to fly many other different tactical jet fighters. He flew T33s, F86s, F84Fs, F100s and F105s. He voluntarily retired with 22 years of service as a Lt. Colonel with a Command Pilot rating. He also had other awards and decorations. While in the Air Force he served in England, Japan, Thailand, Korea and Viet Nam. His last assignment was as an Executive Officer to the Inspector General of the Pacific Air Forces, Hickman Air Force Base, Hawaii. He was fortunate his family was with him on most of the assignments. After his service retirement, he went back to college, received a BS in Accounting from Rollins College then started his accounting practice, which he managed for 17 years until it was sold it in 1991. Dean was a life member of The Retired Officers Association and the Disabled American Veterans. He belonged to the Patrick Officiers club, Honor America-of which he was a past president, also did volunteer work for Project Emeritus at Patrick AFB and the VA Clinic in Viera. He was a member of Scribblers, wrote for a hobby and had many articles published in the Florida Today Newspaper. He also enjoyed playing tennis but by his own admission was not good. He shared this hobby with his wife, Sue who won all the trophies in the family. They were married for 60 years and had many wonderful travel experiences throughout the years which they enjoyed reliving in retirement. They had 3 children, Jay, Sandy-who worked for him in his accounting office and a son Jon who died at age 4. A gathering of friends and family will be at Beach Funeral Homes, Indian Harbour Beach, Thursday, March 11, from 1:00 to 2:00 P.M. A funeral service will follow in the chapel at 2 p.m. with Military Honors to be provided by the U.S.A.F. Inurnment will be later at Arlington National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, request donations be made to the Retired Officers Scholarship fund or Honor America, Salvation Army.
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Service Information

When Thursday, March 11th, 2010 2:00pm Location Beach Funeral Home East Address 1689 South Patrick Drive Indian Harbour Beach, FL 32937
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