Edward Skarnulis

1940 - 2022

Skarnulis, Edward

June 16, 1940 - October 6, 2022

"The most wasted of all days is one without laughter."

-e.e. cummings

Edward Russell Skarnulis, Ph.D. lived to laugh, to love, and to serve. He passed away peacefully on October 6, 2022 at the age of 82, held by his daughter and son as he took his last breath and shed a single tear. Ed lived a life full of integrity, accountability, honesty, and, of course, humor.

Ed grew up poor in Sioux City, IA as one of seven children. As the oldest son, he took on the responsibility to help his mother raise his younger siblings. He graduated from South High School in Omaha, and attended the University of Omaha, later enlisting in the Marines. He earned his M.A. and Ph.D. at the University of Nebraska, working full-time and being a father to his two young children. He found his life's calling working with organizations that helped people with intellectual disabilities. For the rest of his life, he was their most passionate advocate. As his national reputation grew, governors of three states appointed him to continue his critical work in their states, and he became an expert witness and special master in significant court cases that determined the inhumane treatment of vulnerable people in impersonal institutions must end. Ed shifted careers in the 80s, becoming a popular professor in the social work departments of Augsburg University in Minneapolis, MN and Texas A&M Commerce.

Ed was preceded in death by beloved wife, Dorothy, who died in July 2020. Together they traveled, volunteered, and performed outstanding community service in their chosen hometown of Bastrop, TX. Ed's brother Lawrence and sister Clesta also preceded him in death, but he is survived by sisters, Patricia and Vicki and brothers, Steven and Brian, to whom Ed was more father than brother. Ed will be sorely missed by daughter Cindy; son Steve; daughter-in-law Libba; grandchildren, Quinn and Carver; as well as Leanna Englert, his friend, first wife and mother of his kids.

The family will Celebrate the lives of Ed and Dorothy together at a Service to be held at a later date in Bastrop.

Heart of Texas Cremation

12010 US-290, Austin, TX 78737