Homer "Skip" Skillion

Homer "Skip" Skillion, 108 ESCONDIDO -- Homer "Skip" Skillion, a familiar figure around Valley Center and Escondido for 20 years, died with family by his side on Monday, October 4, 2010. He was 108 years old. The local press has been covering his birthdays, each one an event in itself, since 2002 when he turned 100. He was born on March 12, 1902 in Portageville, Missouri, a small town of 700 people south of St. Louis, to William and Allie Skillion. Like many in that day and place, he left his one-room school after the third grade, worked in the fields picking cotton, and rode the rails working at odd jobs in various mid-western towns until he was 20. Determined to find a steady job, he put on his best suit and landed one as an usher at the big new Ambassador Theater in St. Louis. This was the beginning of a career in theaters, during which he rose through the ranks, eventually managing the Beverly Wilshire, Pantages, and Egyptian theaters in downtown Los Angeles, and finally the Pasadena Playhouse. Skip joined the Navy in 1942 and served until 1945 as a ship's cook and an LST (Landing Ship Tank) crew trainer at Norfolk, Va. He later had the opportunity to invest in real estate with his long-time golfing partner and best friend, entrepreneur Jude Poynter. His marriage in 1941 to his beloved wife, Rosemary, lasted until her death in 1993. In 1998, having outlived most of his peers, he moved to Champagne Village for ten years, where he made new friends and was known as a skilled pool player even after he became legally blind. A talented cook and gardener, Skip also loved and excelled at golf; he was one of the original members of the Senior Masters Golf Association, which honored him in 2002. In his last year, he lived at Cypress Court Senior Living Community, where he preserved his reputation as a kind gentleman and dapper dresser; as the oldest resident there, he was also an inspiration to others. Skip is survived by three children, Anne Skillion of New York City, Craig Skillion (Martha) of Orange, and Carol Schuler (Mel) of Valley Center; three grandchildren, Nick and Chris Schuler, and Christine Skillion; and three great-grandchildren, Marrick, Dylan, and Taylor Schuler. He was preceded in death by his parents; his stepfather, William Hughes; and his sisters and brothers, Anne, Edith, Birdie, Carl, and Lloyd. A celebration of life service is planned for 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 16 at Community Lutheran Church, 3575 East Valley Parkway, Escondido 92027. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a gift to Elizabeth Hospice, Salvation Army, or Community Lutheran Church, all located in Escondido. Sign the Guest Book online obits.nctimes.com