Gary Milton Skinner

Gary Milton Skinner, 82, of Delaware, Ohio, passed away peacefully at home on Christmas morning, Thursday December 25, 2025, following complications from bladder cancer. He was born on Thursday November 18, 1943, to Jay and Alda Skinner.

Gary lived most of his life on the family farm and remained a steadfast advocate for the homestead and the farming community throughout his life. He graduated from Elm Valley High School in 1961, where he played football and basketball, and later earned the American Farmer Degree in Kansas City. Gary served in the U.S. Army Reserves beginning in 1965.

Gary was a devoted and loving husband to his wife, Carolyn, for more than 57 years. They met on a blind date arranged by mutual friends, Dallas and Carol Evans. After farming alongside his father, Gary partnered with Rodger Glenn and later Gerald Glenn. In the early 1990s, his sons joined the operation, continuing the family's farming tradition together for more than 35 years.

In 2021, his grandson, Zane, joined the farm as the sixth generation of the Hardscrabble Farms operation.

Gifted and inventive, Gary was especially talented in the farm workshop, completing countless projects over the years. One of his most enduring works was welding the family flagpole in 1976, which still stands and flies today. His interest in emerging farm technology led to many equipment upgrades throughout his career. He held a special affection for John Deere 2520 Powershift tractors, and after a ten-year search, he located one in Pennsylvania and had it professionally restored.

Gary also enjoyed Haflinger horse teams and restoring horse-drawn carriages. He served on numerous boards and committees, including the Delaware County Farm Bureau, Ohio Soybean Association, Delaware Farmers Exchange, Country Mutual Insurance, Robinson Seed Company, and Delaware County Bank. He was a longtime member of the Top B's Farm Bureau Council and Friends of the Olentangy Riding Club.

Over the years, Gary and Carolyn treasured traveling with close friends, including John and Linda Raile; Bill and Janet Oberfield; Philip and Sarah Connelly; and many others. Gary was preceded in death by his parents, his parents-in-law, and his sister, Pam Skinner Smith.

He is survived by his wife, Carolyn; sons Darin (Kristin) Skinner and Brian (Connie) Skinner; Grandchildren, Zane, Grant, and Brooke Skinner; brother-in-law, Jim (Judy) Smith; nephews, Andy (Erin) Smith and Jay (Maria) Hoeffer; as well as numerous cousins, extended family members, and dear friends. He shared a special bond with Travis Elliott, formed during many summers spent with the Skinner family beginning when Travis was ten years old.

The Skinner family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the many caregivers who supported Gary, especially Dr. Khemess and Dr. Grenade.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday January 6, 2026, from 3 to 7 p.m., with a moment of sharing at 6:30 p.m., at All Occasions Catering, 6989 Waldo-Delaware Road, Waldo, Ohio 43356.

Snyder Funeral Center, Delaware Chapel is honored to assist with arrangements.

Private burial will take place at Green Mound Cemetery in Kilbourne, Ohio.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Delaware County Foundation in Garys name and by visiting www.delawarecf.org/garyskinner.

To share a fond memory of Gary or to offer condolences to his family, please visit www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.