Paul F. Skelley's Obituary
Decatur – Paul F. Skelley, 86, of Decatur, died in his home on Wednesday, May 4th, 2016 surrounded by his family.
Paul was born February 1, 1930, as the youngest of 7, to Roy G. and Augusta C. Skelley of Decatur, IL. He graduated from St. Patrick’s Grade School then Decatur High School Class of 1948. He was an active Civil Servant and worked for the US Postal Service from 1948-1973 in Decatur, IL. Paul enlisted in Oct. 1950 in the 170th Fighter Squadron of the Illinois Air National Guard. During his service, he attended Aircraft and Engine School and worked on many aircraft starting with F-51 Mustangs to F-4 Phantoms. He retired as a Senior Master Sergeant, after 34 years of service (1950-1984), from the 183rd Fighter Squadron of the IL Air National Guard as the NCOIC of Planning, Scheduling, and Documentation for twenty-four F4 Phantom II fighter aircrafts.
His favorite lifelong hobby was building WWII era model aircraft often adding engines to power the propellers. He also spent many hours cruising the rivers and lakes of the mid-west states and target shooting with family and friends. Paul was also very active with Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Decatur Power Squadron, Knights of Columbus, and many charities benefitting the military and their families.
He is survived by his wife Antoinette (Toni) of 54 years and 3 sons; John (Jack) R. (Leslie) Skelley of Wilton, IA, Dr. Paul E. (Lucy) Skelley of Gainesville, FL, and Dr. Andrew D. Skelley of Powell, TN. He is also survived by 5 grandsons- Ben, Sam, Peter, Matt, and Ian Skelley, granddaughter Meghan Skelley, and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Royal, William Donald, and Edward Skelley; sisters, Marian Skelley, Norma Nester, and Yvonne Bennett.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 am, Monday, May 9, 2016, in Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, Rev. Richard Weltin, celebrant. Visitation will be one hour prior to the mass in the church. Burial will follow in Boiling Springs Cemetery with military rites conducted by the Macon County Honor Guard. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church or DMH Palliative Care and Hospice.
The family would like to thank Dr. J. DiMondo, Dr. M. Hasnain, Dr. J. Canham, Dr. J. Waters, the staff of Hickory Point Christian Village, and the staffs of DMH Palliative Care and Hospice for their professional, compassionate, and gracious care given to Paul.
The family of Paul F. Skelley is being served by the Moran & Goebel Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 2801 N. Monroe St., Decatur, IL 62526. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.moranandgoebel.com.
Video tribute for Paul F. Skelley: https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/F5QWJJ3JBJG99ZK7
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