Wayne H. Skipper, 85, Jamestown
Wayne H. Skipper, 85, of Jamestown, passed away Saturday, February 28th, at Jean Waddle Care Center, Somerset, KY.
Wayne was born in Clanton, AL on November 21, 1940, a son of the late Elsie (Traywick) and Herman Skipper.
A Hamilton High School graduate, Wayne also studied at Ohio University, Wayne furthered his technical expertise through specialized training with General Motors and Ford, attending Wayne State and Henry Ford Community College. He launched his career at General Motors, where he earned his four-year journeyman’s card as a tool and die maker. He later joined Ford Motor Company in Ohio before transferring to Michigan.
Wayne and his late wife, Jo Ann, shared over 60 years of marriage. Wayne’s greatest pride was watching his children grow into productive citizens and start families of their own.
An avid sportsman, Wayne enjoyed basketball, softball, bowling, and golf. He was deeply committed to his community and fellow workers, serving as a union benefits representative and organizing relief efforts for the Pinkerton Blind Children’s Committee and Appalachian coal miners.
The family spent many joyful years boating and fishing on Lake Erie before Wayne and Jo Ann retired to Lake Cumberland in Jamestown, Kentucky. There, Wayne remained active through lake life and various real estate and commercial ventures.
Wayne will be remembered for his quick wit, sense of humor, and kind heart. He leaves behind a legacy of cherished friendships and a life well-lived.
In accordance with Wayne’s wishes, there will be no formal funeral. Instead, family and friends will gather for a celebration of his vibrant life at a later date. Interment service will be held at the Rose Hill Funeral Home (2565 Princeton Rd., Hamilton, OH 45011), followed by a luncheon.
Wayne is survived by: two daughters, Monica Skipper-Litherland (Steve), of St. Petersburg, FL and Kelley Diatikar; two sons, Greg Skipper (Rose) of Orlando, FL and Gary Skipper (Margaret), of Troy, OH.
He is also survived by nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
