Roger Wayne Skinner

Roger Wayne Skinner, 76, of Indianapolis, passed away far too soon after a brief and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Born on May 4, 1949, in Seymour, Indiana, Roger grew up in North Vernon, where he was always proud of his Jennings County roots. He graduated from North Vernon High School in 1967 and earned his Bachelor of Science in Insurance from Indiana University Bloomington in 1971. A proud IU alumnus, he remained a loyal Hoosier fan all his life.

Roger is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Janice Skinner; their two daughters, Jennifer (Craig) Mitchen and Julie (Bob) Eisenmann; his sister Patti Smith of Indiana; and his cherished grandchildren, Eleanor and Evelyn Mitchen, Gina Herron, and Aimee Eisenmann, along with great-grandchildren Stevie and Cameron Herron. He also leaves behind his much-loved “fur-grandbabies,” Hope Eisenmann and Frankie Mitchen. He was preceded in death by his brothers William, Robert, and Richard Skinner.

Roger built a long and distinguished career in the insurance and employee benefits industry, beginning in 1971 as a group sales representative with Principal. Known for his integrity, dedication, and deep expertise, Roger proudly refused to retire and continued consulting until his final days. In 1980, Roger founded a successful group brokerage agency, Specialized Benefit Plans, which he led until 1992, when he and a group of investors purchased Hoosier Dental Plans. Under Roger’s leadership, the business grew into GroupLink, a national third-party administration firm. Following the sale of GroupLink in 2004, Roger continued to work as a consultant for several national marketing firms, remaining active in the industry he loved right up to the end. 

He earned numerous professional designations, including CLU, RHU, and REBC, and was a founding member of the Indiana State Association of Health Underwriters (ISAHU), where he remained active for decades, most recently serving as PAC Administrator. His colleagues across the state and country admired his professionalism, mentorship, and tireless advocacy for ethical leadership in the industry.

A dedicated man of faith, Roger was a lifelong church member and a faithful servant at Mt. Comfort Church, where he served on the leadership team and as church treasurer. He was also a de Bible Study Fellowship leader. Beyond his church, Roger was a proud Mason, a lifelong Republican, and an active participant in local politics. He was a committed member of the Lawrence Republican Club and a dedicated poll worker who believed deeply in civic engagement and service to his community.

Roger loved golf, spending countless hours on the course as a member of Maple Creek Golf and Country Club since 1974. He also loved his lifelong yearly “boys” camping trip to Cherry Park in North Vernon, traveling, and played at many different golf courses around the US. One of his greatest joys was fulfilling a lifelong dream by watching his childhood friend “Spider” play in the Masters—not once, but twice. He was a lifelong learner, passionate about education, and deeply believed in investing in the next generation. He was a caretaker at heart—always ready to lend a hand, give advice, or show up when someone needed him. Whether you were family or not, he was “Uncle Roger.” UR!

Roger’s greatest joy was his family—his “Cuddle Bunny” Janice, his daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandkids. He was a hands-on grandpa who changed diapers, cleaned up spills, and took time off work to babysit. His life was defined by honesty, faith, love of learning, and an unshakable belief in taking care of others.

He will be remembered for his humor, generosity, and work ethic—and for being the life of every party.

A celebration of Roger’s life will be held on Friday, October 17, 2025, at Mount Comfort Church, 3179 N 600 W, Greenfield, IN 46140.

10:00 a.m. – Immediate Family Gathering

10:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. – Visitation

1:30–2:30 p.m. – Funeral Service

3:30 p.m. – Interment at Washington Park East

Plans for a celebration following the interment are being finalized.

Memorial Contributions

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to any of the following, in honor of Roger’s life and legacy:

Folds of Honor , supporting scholarships for families of fallen and disabled service members — a cause close to Roger’s heart and one he proudly supported through his annual golf outing.

Mount Comfort Church , 3179 N 600 W, Greenfield, IN 46140, where Roger faithfully served for many years.

A college fund established for Roger’s beloved grandchildren , ensuring his legacy of education and care continues for generations to come.

Checks can be made payable to Janice Skinner.