Obituaries

William J. Skinner, of Niles, passed away on May 17, 2026, at the age of 79.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Richard and Marion (Hardy) Skinner; his brothers, Richard and David Skinner; and his sister, Patricia Skinner Kessick. Surviving is his wife, Brenda; his sister, Linda (Skinner) Farnsworth; and several nieces and nephews.

Bill was born in Bryan, Ohio, on March 2, 1947. His family later moved to South Bend, Indiana, where he graduated from South Bend Central High School in 1966. After graduation, he was drafted into the United States Army and proudly served in Korea.

Following his military service, Bill’s family moved to Niles, Michigan, where he began working at Simplicity Pattern Company. It was there that he met his wife, Brenda. The two were married on September 18, 1970.

Bill later left Simplicity and became a cab driver for South Bend Yellow Cab. After several years driving for the company, he decided to become a semi-truck driver. He eventually retired from Truck driving.

During their 55 years of marriage, Bill and Brenda did not have children, but they lovingly cared for several cats throughout the years, and Bill proudly considered himself a cat parent. Bill enjoyed reading and talking about history and politics, as well as attending toy shows, car shows, and flea markets. He also enjoyed cooking outdoors, making jokes, and spending time with others. He had a wonderful sense of humor. Bill and Brenda also enjoyed visiting Chicago, Illinois, attending musicals, and taking boat tours along the Chicago skyline.

Memorial contributions may be made in Bill’s memory to Humane Society of Southwestern Michigan at 5400 S. Niles Rd, St Joseph, Michigan 49085.

A service to celebrate Bill’s life will be held at Hope Community Church at 2390 Lake St., in Niles on Friday, May 29, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. Full Military Honors will be rendered at a ceremony at Fort Custer National Cemetery in Augusta, Michigan on Monday, June 1, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.