Richard Morse Skelley

Richard Morse Skelley, 84, of Urbana, passed away on April 30, 2016. Born on November 2, 1931 in Lynn, Massachusetts to Robert and Roberta Skelley, he graduated from Colby College in Waterville, Maine. He joined the Navy and was a Lieutenant JG where he loved his time aboard The Roosevelt, a Navy aircraft carrier, as a pilot. He later moved to Columbus, Ohio where he worked as a salesman for Plunkett Webster Lumber Company. A move to Urbana was prompted by the purchase of The Murphy Lumber Company, which is now Skelley Lumber. He is survived by his wife, Ellen; children Leah (Jeff) Sadler, Ric (Pam) Skelley, and Dina (Peter) Luther; and grandchildren Justin, Eric, Madison, Pete, Lauren, Grant and Emily. His wish was to have his body donated to The Ohio State University School of Medicine to further medical research. A memorial service will be held at a later date. A special thank you to Susan Chamberlin who has been a blessing to the Skelley Family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Champaign Aviation Museum, 1652 North Main Street, Urbana, OH 43078 (www.champaignaviationmuseum.org). The family is being served by Walter & Stowe Funeral Home, Urbana. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.walterfunerals.com.