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John Skelton Obituary
May 27, 2022
Wichita, Kansas - John Alan Skelton, 63, Artist, died Friday, May 27, 2022. John applied himself to learning different techniques to become a widely recognized and renowned artist of his day. He described his style as impressionistic realism and explored a broad range of subject matter including portraiture, animals, landscapes, classic cars and bikes. He converted to Christianity and embraced it as wholeheartedly as he embraced those that shared God's grace with him. More, John was a good soul who touched most all who knew him and was a genuine scholar and mentor, a vaunted counselor and much beloved friend; he will be missed terribly by all who knew him. Preceded in death by his father, Gerald E. Skelton; and his older brother, Michael E Skelton. Survived by his loving mother, Ruth; and his "Dad" Vic Heckart; sister, Deb and brother-in-law Butch Miller; brother, Jerry Skelton; brother, Kelly and Jennifer Calbert, all of Wichita; and his brother, Kevin and Do Be Calbert of Wake Forest, NC; and his Aunt Shera Schwarze of Chillicothe, OH., who was a good friend for many years. Although he had no children of his own, he had great influence on his nieces and nephews, Manna, Turk, Gerald and Hannah, Mikey, Aaron, John, Nathan and Laura, Ethan, Justina and Ritchie (plus 3 boys), Macyn and Tony, Jadyn and Walker. Services in care of Downing & Lahey West Mortuary. Share tributes online at: www.dlwichita.com
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Memories and Condolences
for John Skelton
Deb
July 16, 2024
Happy birthday bubba! Hope you have found peace in your final journey and hope we will all be together soon. Please watch over us to keep us safe and guide us with your wisdom. You are loved and missed beyond words.
Bret Stalcup
May 30, 2024
John helped me a lot when I was incarcerated at Lansing State Penitentiary. He was a good many who was in for some bad crimes but he´d outgrown who he used to be by using religion and art to transcend his past. I hope he is happy and well in Heaven. God Bless his family.
Bret S
October 29, 2023
R.I.P. my friend, thanks for everything
Kara Skelton Hernandez
August 20, 2022
Uncle John,
I just wanted to write you a small message... Just wanted to say I miss you... I love you. You were one of the few people who showed me unconditional love. you saw me as the Niece and the Good Person that I have become. Not the messed up, younger version of me that I No longer am... every day I get up and try to be a better person than yesterday.. And you saw that in me, and you will never understand just how much I appreciate you, your words, your love, your kindness. You Prayed for me as I prayed for you. You never judged me, EVER... I miss you... We were just starting to get to know one another again. And I feel like... its not fair that you are gone, I know that is selfish of me to say, but i just wanted a little more time w/you... But I know you are with God...And I know you are no longer in pain.. and I'm so grateful that we were able to talk on my birthday, 5 days before you went to Heaven, Uncle...I will never forget that conversation. And the fact that you told me, 5 days before you passed, that you weren't afraid to die.... that you were ready whenever God decided to take you...I am so grateful for that last conversation. Once again l I love you, I miss you.. Thank you... for being You'''
Deb Miller
July 15, 2022
Happy Birthday bubs! Still missing you every day. With love forever and always....Rest in peace
Deb Miller
June 3, 2022
John was the 4th of 6 kids and was affectionally known to his family as "Johnny". He had a quick wit, hearty laugh that could fill a room and adventuresome spirit. He loved a good bargain, a thrift shop find or collecting stuff that was no longer wanted/needed. John was quick to volunteer his assistance in helping others, but that usually meant he was coming home with a new "treasure". He seemed to always find a purpose for it all though, even if one might say "he was quite the pack rat"!
Most important.. Over the past week countless people have shared stories about how Johnny touched their lives. Some viewed him as a teacher, a protector of the down trodden and he was well known for his generosity in helping all he could. We have heard many stories of his kindness, compassion and generosity of spirit. For each person that has reached out to share their thoughts and stories, we thank you. They are gifts of gold that we will hold in our hearts with his memory forever.
We love you Johnny and will miss you for all of our days. Until we see you again...Godspeed on your new journey. With love from your sister
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Downing & Lahey Mortuaries & Crematory - West Wichita10515 W. Maple, Wichita, KS 67209
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