Alan N. Skinner

Alan Neal Skinner, 97, of Newbury, passed away peacefully on Wednesday morning, December 31, 2025.
Alan was born to Harry and Gladys (Morelock) Skinner in Bakersfield, California, on December 6, 1928. Alan’s life was marked by dedication, extraordinary spirit, and loyalty to his family and community. He graduated from Brush High School in 1948, where, as the captain of the football team, he met his future wife, Iola (Bateman) Skinner, the homecoming queen.  They were married in 1949, raising four children together and lasting for a remarkable 76 years.  
With an unparalleled work ethic, Alan worked for Ohio Bell for over thirty years and was also the owner/operator of A.N.S. Communications; installing and repairing phone systems in many homes and businesses in Geauga County.  His commitment to community was evident through his long-standing membership of the Newbury Congregational Church and Rotary Club of Burton-Middlefield, where he was well-known as a greeter at local pancake breakfasts.  Alan’s mechanical skills were legendary; he was fondly remembered as a true “Mr. Fix-It,” skilled in fixing any type of equipment, including his impressive collection of tractors, a backhoe, and other farm equipment. 
He used his many machines to take care of his beautiful property, which he took great pride in.  You could often find him peacefully mowing the lawn for hours on his many acres.  Over the years, he enjoyed hosting countless family parties and community gatherings in the “Pavilion” he built, by “The Lake.”  He was a skilled mechanic and electrician, priding himself on finding ways to repurpose what others might discard.  Alan also enjoyed working on Rotary projects, such as restoring the bridge at the Interurban Railroad Junction at The Rookery, part of Geauga Park District. Even in his later years, Alan’s youthful energy never waned. He was often found splitting firewood well into his eighties, and he treasured time spent with his grandchildren, sharing stories by the fire, but mostly working on projects together. 
He will be deeply missed by his loving family: his wife, Iola Skinner; his children, Sandra Sterrett, Susan Skinner, James (Ruth) Skinner, and Wayne (Mel) Skinner; eleven grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; his sister, Esther Delaney; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Bud Skinner; and his sister, Lois Yahnke.
Calling hours will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2026, from 10:00-11:30 AM at Sly Family Funeral Home, 15670 W. High Street, Middlefield, with the service immediately following at 11:30 AM, with his son James officiating. Burial will take place immediately following at Newbury Center Cemetery, 14915 Auburn Road, Newbury, Ohio. Following the graveside service, lunch will be served at Newbury United Community Church. 
Donations can be made to the Newbury United Community Church, PO Box 308, Newbury OH 44065.

Memories and condolences can be shared with the family at www.slyffh.com

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