Russell Duty Skeens, Jr.

Russell Skeens, 78, of Hardy, Arkansas went peacefully to be with the Lord on Friday, April 15, 2016. His family was by his side at the Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House.

Russell was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Jeanette Schwarz Skeens and leaves behind his daughter, Karen Skeens Carter and her husband Terry Carter of West Memphis, Arkansas; his daughter, Trisha Skeens Gillispie and her husband Cody Gillispie of Decatur, Texas; his daughter, Jacqueline Skeens Cavender and her husband, Clay Cavender of Tyler, Texas; his son, Mark Skeens of Decatur, Texas; his sister, Lucille and husband Carwell of North Carolina; his sister, Ruth Bishop of Tucson, Arizona; and his brother, Leonard and his wife, Phyllis Skeens of Sun City, Arizona.

Mr. Skeens was a veteran of the United States Air Force and an active member of the Catholic Church. He was a devoted father to his children and grandchildren. Mr. Skeens retired from a career as Vice President of Chip and Saw/Can Car Corp.

Many loving and caring family, friends and doctors were involved in caring to Mr. Skeens during his courageous battles with cancer. To those stewards of compassion, medical expertise and kind attention to his needs, the family sends out their sincere gratitude and appreciation.

They would also like to thank all his doctors and nurses over the years and the unfailing assistance, love, kindness, and support provided by the entire staff of Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House during Russell’s stay.. Because of their invaluable work and calling, the family requests, that in lieu of flowers, memorials be sent to: The Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House, 1138 East Matthews Avenue, Jonesboro, Arkansas 72401.

Mr. Skeens was laid to rest during a graveside service at St. Anthony’s Cemetery in Weiner, Arkansas on Saturday, April 16, 2016. Emerson Funeral Home was in charge.