Sherman L. Skillman

SkillmanSherman L. Skillman, better known as “Skip”, was born in 1935 in San Jose, CA. In 1954 at age 18 he enlisted in the U. S. Air Force and began his Air Force career at Lackland AFB, TX with Basic Training. He was then assigned to Lowry AFB, CO where he trained in Avionics.

His next assignment was to Altus AFB, OK as a B-47 Bomb/Nav Technician. That was followed by an assignment to Dyess AFB, TX where he served again as a Bomb/Nav Technician.

In April 1962 he entered Air Force Officer Candidate School at Lackland AFB, TX in class 63A. He graduated in September 1962. After OCS he served as an Avionics Officer at Castle AFB, CA (F-106), Vietnam (F-4), Nellis AFB, NV (F-111) and Langley AFB, VA. He was then assigned to Nellis AFB as the Avionics Squadron Commander.

In November 1974, after 21 years service with the USAF, Skip decided to retire as Major and begin a civilian career. He found employment with the Great Atlantic Property Management Corp. in Newport News, VA (1976-78), then as Director of Maintenance at Christopher Newport University also in Newport News, Virginia (1979-1986).

From 1976 to 2001 he also owned and operated a wholesale auto parts business. He is now fully retired. Skip married Martha in 1956 and they have two girls as well as one grandson.

 

OBITUARY

Sherman L. “Skip” Skillman, age 76, of Yorktown VA, passed away unexpectedly on March 15, 2012.

His survivors include his wife of 55 years, Martha; two daughters, Regina Howell (Dale) of Yorktown and Pamela Skillman (Jonathan Sturges) of Vienna; grandson, Logan; brothers, Jon (Pat) and David (Susan) of California, and many extended family members he loved.

Skip loved being involved with bombers and jets during his 21 years in the Air Force. He served nine years enlisted before attending Officer Candidate School and served a tour of duty in Vietnam. He completed his service as Commander of the 474th Avionics Squadron at Nellis AFB, Las Vegas. He had previously served at Langley AFB and returned to this area after retirement.

Skip’s adventurous spirit directed him to take up skiing, at age 68, so he could accompany his grandson on the slopes. He enjoyed volunteering for various civic and military organizations and will be remembered by many for his quirky humor and appreciation for life. He loved gatherings with family and friends and most of all, great food.

A dedicated serviceman, husband, family man and adored Pop-Pop, Skip, will be deeply missed. At his request, no service will be held.

In lieu of flowers, he would’ve asked that donations be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or the American Heart Association.

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