Bernard Skibell

Bernard Skibell LUBBOCK-Bernard Skibell passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, March 20, 2014, at the age of 80. Services will be held on Sunday, March 23, 2014 at 2 p.m. at Congregation Shaareth Israel with Rabbi Vicki Hollander officiating. Burial will follow at the Lubbock Cemetery under the direction of Sanders Funeral Home. Born May 20, 1933, Bernard grew up in Greenville, Texas, the second of four sons in a large and loving family. In 1949 the family expanded their women's clothing business to Lubbock, Texas, where Bernard completed high school. On his 17th birthday he took his first college final, was an active member of Sigma Alpha Mu and graduated from the University of Texas in Austin in 1954. After college Bernard began a 60 year career in the jewelry business in Greenville, MS. As a registered jeweler in the American Gem Society and owner of Schloms Jewelers he offered knowledge, expertise, and integrity to his customers. After returning to Lubbock he continued this legacy, operating Allison Skibell Jewelers with partner Rodney Allison for over seven years. Bernard was actively involved in many community organizations serving as a leader and volunteer: President of the Greenville, MS YMCA, President of the Mississippi Retail Jewelers Association, President of Hebrew Union Temple, and President of the Greenville Kiwanis. He was also a member of the Elks Lodge, the Lubbock Country Club, and Lubbock Congregation Shaareth Israel. His interests ranged far beyond his professional life and were as broad as his heart was deep. He played the French horn in the Greenville Symphony orchestra, had a deep love of opera and classical music, was an avid pilot and enjoyed skiing, golf, and traveling the world. Bernard had a fine sense of humor and loved telling stories and trading jokes with his friends. He skydived, jumping from a plane on his 75th birthday. All of this was enhanced and heightened by the happiness and love he shared for 21 years with his beloved wife, Betty. Bernard is survived by his wife Betty; son, Charles Skibell and wife, Lyn of Dallas; daughter, Tracee Skibell and her partner, Linda Stanton of Ashville, NC; two brothers, Dr. Richard Skibell and wife, Andrea of Dallas; Dr. David Skibell and wife Rochelle of Houston; brother-in-law, David Young and wife, Pat of Ft. Stockton, Texas; cousins and friends each holding a place of honor in his heart. Like the gems he sold, he sparkled with life and drew nieces, nephews, and children of lifelong friends close, becoming a dear Uncle and committed surrogate Grandpa to many. The presence of loved ones never failed to light him up from the inside, and in their marriage, Bernard and Betty set an example of devotion, warmth, and tolerance that will continue to guide future generations. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be sent to Congregation Shaareth Israel, P.O. Box 93594. Lubbock, TX 79493 or South Plains College Foundation, Weldon Adams Scholarship, 1401 South College Avenue, Levelland, TX 79336 (a scholarship fund set up by Independent Agents of Lubbock).