Walter Irving Skinner Jr.

May 27, 1926 - December 17, 2022

Walter I. Skinner Jr. passed away peacefully on 12/17/22 at the age of 96 in Corpus Christi, surrounded by loving relatives. Colonel Skinner spent his last six years in Corpus Christi, having lived most of his life in Austin as a proud member of the Texas National Guard.

Born in Rockdale, Texas, to Walter Irving and Clara Skinner, Walter graduated from high school and joined the Navy as an underage volunteer recruit in May 1944. After basic training, he became a member of a PBM flying boat crew which trained at NAS Corpus Christi. This plane and crew relocated to San Diego and then to Alameda NAS until the end of the war.

Walter remained in the Navy and was honorably discharged in August 1946. Having decided that a soldier's life suited him, he joined the Texas National Guard in 1947 at Camp Mabry, Austin, serving in the Property and Fiscal Office of the Adjutant General staff. During this service he was also a member of the United States Army National Guard, 49th Armored Division, promoting until attaining the rank of Colonel.

Walter met the love of his life, Margie Ruth Jones, in Austin and they were wed 2/29/48. Walter and Margie were very active in Saint John's Methodist Church and thrived in a number of social circles involving hunting, water skiing and dancing.

His only son, Walter Wayne, was born in 1959. Colonel Skinner was a proud and patient father, being very active in school and church youth organizations. After his retirement in 1982, Walter spent many hours working at the family ranch outside of Rockdale and remained fit and active, raising cattle and living the good life of a proud Texan.

In 1998, Walter welcomed his grandson, Alexander, spending many happy hours with him both in Texas and on yearly trips to Arizona and throughout the west.

In 2016, Walter and Margie relocated to Corpus Christi, becoming active members of First Methodist Church continuing their spiritual service. Walter touched many lives and was predeceased by Margie in 2019.

He is survived by his son Walter Wayne Skinner, daughter-in-law Joan Skinner, and grandson Alexander Skinner, all of San Bruno, California. Walter was preceded in death by his younger sister, Ola Joyce Bonura and is survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and second cousins.

Thanks to all who assisted him in his later years, especially: Walter and Margaret Deville: Ed Bonura: Britt Stone and Suzanne Schultz: as well as all the many supportive friends and relatives in Austin, Corpus Christi and elsewhere.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to Saint John's Methodist Church (Austin), First United Methodist Church (Corpus Christi), or the veterans’ organization of your choice.

Funeral services will be at 10 AM on Saturday, January 7, 2023, at Saint John's Methodist Church, 2140 Allandale Road, Austin. Burial will be at 10:30 AM on Monday, January 9, at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, 1520 Harry Wurzbach Road.