Skinner, Robert Walter

July 4, 1939 -- Sept. 28, 2006 -- Services for Robert Walter Skinner, 67, of Longview 
will be 10 a.m. Tuesday, October 3, 2006, at the chapel of Rader Funeral Home, with Dr. 
David Massey officiating. Burial will follow in Memory Park Cemetery. Services are 
under the direction of Rader Funeral Home of Longview. Mr. Skinner passed away Thursday 
night, September 28, 2006, at his home. Born on the 4th of July 1939, Robert Walter 
Skinner was a tireless husband, daddy, brother, uncle, and friend to us. The youngest 
child of Austin Hillard and Violet Skinner lived more than 67 years. He was preceded in 
death by his parents; five siblings; and one nephew. Robert is survived by his wife of 
45 years, Pat; two sons and two daughters-in-law, Bobby and Tammy Skinner of Longview, 
and Billy and Rachel Skinner of Houston. His grandchildren, Kelsey and Anna of Longview, 
and Will and Cale of Houston, made him smile until he passed into eternal life. One 
brother, Howard Skinner and wife, Betty, of Belton, Texas and a host of family and 
friends also survive him. Robert grew up in Meridian, Mississippi, and nearby 
Collinsville, Mississippi. He graduated from Collinsville High School in 1957. He worked 
for R.G. LeTourneau from 1957-1967, except for two years serving in the United States 
Army at Fort Riley, Kansas, and Fort Carson, Colorado. From 1967 until his retirement in 
1997, Robert worked as a welder at Texas Eastman. God, home, family, and friends made 
Robert's life. He was a dedicated and faithful member and deacon of First Baptist Church 
in Hallsville until the battle with cancer made attendance impossible. Robert will be 
missed by many. He always enjoyed being with his sons and others that came to his home 
or church. He liked to invite visitors to the family racecar shop and to stay for the 
next meal, whether it be breakfast, lunch, or supper. For the past 25 years, Robert 
truly enjoyed building and maintaining racecars with his son, Bobby. Robert and his 
family gained countless friends at race tracks throughout Texas and Louisiana. Robert 
will be remembered for his honesty, kindness, and devotion to family and faith. The 
Skinner family deeply appreciates the incredible support and service from Heart'sWay 
Hospice of North East Texas and the Longview Cancer Center. In lieu of flowers, the 
Skinner family requests memorial donations be made to Heart'sWay Hospice of North East 
Texas, 1306 Pine Tree Rd., Longview, TX 75604. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. Monday 
evening, October 2, 2006, at the funeral home. A memorial guestbook may be signed online 
at www.raderfh.com.

Published in the Longview News-Journal on 9/30/2006.