Willis "Bill" Skipton

Willis “Bill” Skipton, formerly of Laurel, Iowa, and resident of the Urbandale Care Center since 2015, passed away at the age of 93 on Thursday, May 6, 2021. Bill was born August 28, 1927 to Henry and Mabel (Ryan) Skipton in Charles City, Iowa and was raised and educated in Clarion, Iowa. Skip’s father owned a dry-cleaning business and put Skip to work at a young age. It was said that when he was 3 years old, he could press a suit (as long as he had a box to stand on). Bill was a veteran of WWII and Korea, joining the Navy right out of high school at 16 and served on several ships as a store keeper. After 2 1/2 years, he was discharged but soon re-enlisted and served another 5 years being at a special weapons depot in New Mexico. After returning to Clarion, he went to work as a salesperson selling tobacco for Copenhagen. Later he traveled the Midwest as a candy broker and novelties salesperson to businesses. In his retirement he had several booths at antique malls and dealt in antiques and primitives, refinishing kitchen cupboards being his favorite. He loved attending auctions. He was united in marriage on November 30, 1963 to Lucille W. Sharer. She preceded him in death June 2, 1989. He was also preceded in death by his parents; his step-daughter Teresa Benoit and his step-son Mick Sharer. One of his proudest times was being a guest on the 2010 honor flight to Washington, D.C. Bill was a longtime member of the Newfoundland Dog Club of America.  He and Lucille raised and showed Newfoundland dogs for many years all over the Midwest. He was a longtime member of the VFW. Bill is survived by his very close friends, Alan and Irene Strickler and family of Urbandale; his step-son Jack Sharer of Marshalltown; and several step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Per Bill’s wishes, cremation rites have been accorded and there is no formal visitation. A graveside service for Bill will be held on Wednesday, May 12, 2021 at the Iowa Veteran’s Cemetery in Adel, Iowa at 9:30 A.M. Memorials in Bill’s name may be directed to the Animal Rescue League of Marshalltown or Suncrest Hospice. For additional information or to send a condolence to the family please visit www.mitchellfh.com or call 641-844-1234. Mitchell Family Funeral Home is caring for Bill and his family.