Lyman Ellsworth Skyles

June 16, 1939 - November 16, 2018

Lyman Ellsworth Skyles of St. James, Missouri passed away on Friday, November 16, 2018 at the age of 79. Lyman was born June 16, 1939 in St. James, Missouri to the late Lyman J. and Edna W. (Gerren) Skyles. After Lyman graduated high school he the joined the Army Reserves, and took some college courses. On November 21, 1959 Mr. Lyman Skyles took the hand of Miss Dora Sweeney, this union was blessed with two sons. Lyman loved reading newspaper, books, and magazines, and he turned his love of reading into a lifelong career in newspaper and radio. He worked for many radio stations and newspapers throughout Missouri, locally The St. James Leader Journal, and KZNN, taking on any role they had to offer, from radio host, to newspaper editor, and reporter. He was a very knowledgeable man and was a great storyteller. He could tell you the whole history of St. James, facts about St. James that you may have never known, but really enjoyed hearing. He loved dogs and cats and felt it his responsibility to feed the local feral cats that came along. He loved his family, and friends, and enjoyed getting together for some friendly conversations, and a few laughs. He was also an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan. Most of all he was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. He will be greatly missed by all that knew and loved him. Lyman is survived by his devoted wife of 58 years, Dora Skyles of the home; son, Brian Lee Skyles, of Hiawatha, Iowa; sisters, Sharon Jones and husband Louis, of Longview, TX, Dorothy Skyles, of St. James, MO, Mary Skyles, of St. James, MO, Edith Schroyer and husband Dave, of Cuba, MO, Anna Skyles, of St. James, MO, and Carla Scantlin and husband Charles, of Cuba, MO; brothers, Richard Skyles, of St. Louis, MO, Norman Sklyes and wife Katie, of Salem, MO, Charles Skyles and wife Connie, of Rockwall, TX, and Harry Skyles, and wife Betty, of Jacksonville, AR; grandson, Michael Chance Skyles; a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. In addition to his parents, Lyman was preceded in death by his son Vernon "Eddie" Skyles; infant brother, brother, George Skyles, and sister Margaret Jose. Funeral services for Lyman Ellsworth Skyles will be held on Tuesday, November 20, 2018 at 11:00AM at the St. James Chapel of the James & Gahr Mortuary with Pastor Steven Brubaker officiating. Internment will be at the St. James Cemetery. A visitation for family and friends will be held at the Chapel on Monday, November 19, 2018 from 5-7PM. memorials in lieu of flowers are suggested and appreciated to the Lyman Skyles Memorial Fund, cards are available at all James & Gahr locations.