Claris Carl Skidmore

Claris Carl Skidmore, age 75, passed away with his wife and children by his side on June 27, 2016 following a brief illness. The son of Joseph and Rillia Skidmore, Claris was born July 20, 1940 in Harrogate, Tennessee. He married Louise Foust, his wife of 57 years, shortly after his high school graduation in 1959. They raised three children together—LaDonna, David and Jonathan.

There wasn't a job Claris couldn't tackle, and he and Louise moved several times early in their marriage for work opportunities. He then began his life's career with the railroad in 1965, working as a machinist for several different lines, including Monon, L&N, Seaboard Coast Line, and Chessie System, which later became CSX. This work took Claris and his family from Charlestown, Indiana, to Rossville, Indiana, and then to Nashville, Tennessee. Following retirement after 38 years with the railroad, Claris and Louise returned to Lafayette to be closer to family.

It wasn't a surprising move—family meant everything to Claris. Throughout their lives, his children could always count on their dad to be there. He attended every event and activity he could, regardless the distance. Claris loved sports, including high school and college basketball, as well as football and NASCAR. He enjoyed taking care of his garden and yard and was so content to be home mowing the grass. Garage sales and antiquing with Louise provided a chance to remember the old days. In short, Claris was up for anything if it meant time with his family and friends. He and Louise also enjoyed their recent winter getaways to their retirement home in Palmetto, Florida.

Claris was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Rillia; as well as a sister, Bonnie, and brothers, Burel, Ralph, Donald and Kenneth.

He will be missed and forever remembered by his wife, Louise, as well as their children, Donna (Mark) Johnson of Charlestown, Indiana; David (Amy) Skidmore of Upper Arlington, Ohio; and Jonathan (Trish) Skidmore of Rowayton, Connecticut. Also surviving are seven grandchildren: Donna's daughters, Amber (Chad) Jackson and Britni (Andy) Shrout; David's children, Matthew, Megan and Blake; and Jon's daughters, Stephanie and Elizabeth; as well as two great-grandchildren, Macyn and Piper Jackson. Claris also leaves behind brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, cousins, nieces, nephews, and countless friends—all of whom meant so much to him.

Visiting hours will be Wednesday, June 29, from 5-8 p.m. at Genda Funeral Home Rossville Chapel, 450 N. State Road 39, Rossville, IN 46065, and also one hour prior to the funeral service on Thursday. A funeral and celebration of Claris' life will begin at 1 p.m. on Thursday, June 30, at the funeral home with Pastors Randy Skidmore and Mitch Coggin officiating. Burial will follow in Fair Haven Cemetery in Mulberry. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Claris' name to the American Cancer Society. Online condolences may be directed to www.gendafuneralhome.com.